Hi David: One thing I tell students when they tell me they don't know or understand anything I'm talking about is "no, wait a minute, you a lot about this subject. Let's just try to find the one or two areas that will open up your eyes to the message". This will often reassure them that they do know course material and they arte capable of learning. We should be able to define WHAT they are to learn, and share HOW that will be accomplished. That's what student learning outcomes provide, the WHAT portion. Regards, Barry