An instructor has to know what the students know and what they need to know. I have taken a couple courses on how to set up a curriculum. Heck , I've I had to make up a whole year of lesson plans when we received a new software program this year.

What need are we trying to fill? Who is the target audience? What outcomes are we seeking? What are the course objectives? Will the homework include lab (actually going outside and looking or text based?) What skills must be learned before instruction begins?
Are there going to be any prerequisites? Will there be criterion tests? An instructor needs tests and much as the student to see if the instruction is working!

An introductory "tryout" course is an excellent idea. That would help the instructor and students decide if the course is worthy of the time and effort that will be involved. That will also help decide what changes need to be implemented so that the course works better.

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein