Arlene, failure to prepare can add to the stress levels of students and lack of preparation is not something we as instructors can really control. I do however highly recommend having a discussion with your students as to their expectations of the course if they do not properly prepare. You may find they provide feedback that will allow you to better meet their needs in the preparation process. For some students it can be as simple as no one has ever taken the time to show them how to study, how to take good notes and how to ask questions during class. Sounds a bit crazy to you and I but my experience of over 20 years as an educator has taught me never to assume anything about my students. Just like we encourage them to ask questions, we also need to be asking questions. James Jackson