I also do the first TBL experience on the syllabus. To help with students buy in, I also make them choose the weight of the various components of the course (labs, TBL, final exam). Students are given a range of values for each component weight that I would consider acceptable. Each team discuss and determine the weights they would like to see applied for the class. All team's decision are placed on the board for a class discussion. After discussion, each team has the opportunity to re-discuss the weights and modify the weights based on the class discussion. They report one last time their team choice. The weights of each course components will be the average of all the team choices. Students tend to feel less intimidated and more in control by having chosen the weights of the various components of the course and tend to be less resistant to TBL. I am always satisfied by the choice they make (i.e. I make sure the range of values I find comfortable for the weight would be acceptable to me). Hope this helps, Pat