Once the shock wears off they really get into the writing and describe their innermost feelings about their anxieties. A word of caution is appropriate here. A few students may react negatively. Some students miss the humor of the letter because they are so overwhelmed with anxiety. Often they will call to discuss their concerns and I can reassure them that they are not being asked to learn algebra on their own, quite the contrary, we will all be working very hard together.
Some students are aware of cooperative learning teaching techniques and prefer lectures.
They have a chance to switch classes without losing any class time or they can attend a class or two on a trial basis while still being prepared to switch. Once I get them in class however they never do switch. With their autobiography in hand and a healthy curiosity they arrive at the first class. I spend only a few minutes describing the course and then ask them to pair up in order to interview each other. I explain that most people do not feel comfortable talking about themselves in public but are willing to tell us about someone else.