Problem solving situations keep the students minds active. It could be on the part of the instructors as well as the students. Four instructors per course seems to work out well. A varied interactive course structure seems to work well. A written student commitment to the program and a written summary of why the student wants to attend this program is a must.
Students attending with a purpose have a higher degree of success within the program.
To a teacher, good is the enemy of excellent. Several types of evaluations are currently being used.