George,
One of the primary purposes of making the DIR-F class a pass/fail class, versus the workshop style format originally used, was to ensure that as students progress to upper level classes that they have the "fundamentals" squared away. Beyond the scope of future GUE classes, "passing" the DIR-F class means little. I tell my students all the time to ignore worrying about "passing" the DIR-F class. The true value of the DIR-F class is the introduction of why we do what we do, how we do it, and the way we break it down for you step by step in order to allow you to properly practice after the class. Consider this analogy, if a golfer had built up a significant amount of bad habits over the years, or was just introduced to the sport, and then spent 3 days with Tiger Woods, would that golfer walk away at the end of the weekend a great golfer? Or would that golfer walk away after that weekend with a new set of skills to practice, and the ability to correct his game?
I start out all of my class [ BTW are you joining us tonight for the opening night ;-)] by saying " In 3 days I can't wave a magic wand and make you great divers. What I can do is teach you how and what to practice".
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Michael Kane