Hi Barbara, No one likes surprises especially when they involve a major part of ones life, like passing a course. As you mentioned you cover the expectations of the students at the beginning of the course. By blending the expectations of the students, with your expectations for them you have a combination for success. You and they must be on the same page concerning outcomes. If the are not clear what it is that your want, nor how to achieve success in the class then the class is doomed from the beginning. In your planning and during the first few class meetings if at all possible it would be great if you could give the students problems, case studies, situations, that would enable them to experience some success early but also illustrate to them how much they have to learn during the course. I have found this gets them motivated to learn, while letting them apply their skills early on in the course. Gary