While presenting the syllabus, I use it as an opportunity for my students to practice how to calculate percentages, which is a calculation they need to be using in several courses in the program (and in their life!). They can calculate the maximun number of missing classes they can have to prevent failing the course, they also understand how important -in terms of gades- is to get the homeworks on time and perfectly done, and other things. This makes the presentation active and promote engagement, and also improve their understanding on how to be successful in the course.
Team assignments are good for students to learn how to work together, get to know their classmates and get a chance to help each other. Keeping in mind that 10% of the class will miss assignments will help me design a plan to deal with it.
Approaching students while taking into consideration the different ways they think, work, and function is reassuring to students, thereby reducing the stress they may be feeling. Being realistic and fair while also providing reasonable explanations for actions is most helpful.In other words, consider how I would wish to be treated and apply that.
Setting multiple reminders for due dates. Set the missed assignment standards. There will always be a 10% variable of missed assignments and not always from the same students.
I always have an icebreaker for the first meeting of class. I ask the students to find a new friend and interview them, using the hand-out that I give them. Questions include some background information about themselves and then reasons for taking this class. Students introduce their new friend by the answers they received. I also agree that the syllabus needs to be specific, including learning outcomes, course topics to be discussed, an explanation of course assignments, grading, and participation. I liked the idea of included information about missed or late assignments.