Gary, I explain to them that not everyone is going to be working at the same pace, and that learning isn't " a contest." A step-by-step approach works well because it includes everyone, eveyone on his or her own and alows for input from other class members, the retracing of the steps, just in case you don't "get it" the first time, and it seems to put students more at ease and more interesting in learning. Tim

Generally, on the first day of my classes, I go around the room, and have everyone introduce themselves, and say something about themselves. Eventually, this leads to a discussion of the class itself, and to why being enrolled in the class will benefit their understanding of their chosen field of study. It also helps me to remember names and have a little background information on each student, because while this is taking place I take notes and include them in their file.

I find that the inclusion of "handouts" in class actually benefits the student. I use them as a source of quick reference, a more consice available source of information. And also as a summary of material covered.

As an instructor, in learning, I find that some students often want to "put the cart before the horse" as it were, when what should occurr is a step by step approach that will leave them informed and hungry for more. I take a step by step approach, and find that it really works in my field of study.