Regardless of the method an author chooses, or even if the author wants to try something completely different, it’s important to think of the chapter introduction as part of the reader’s entry into the chapter. The introduction, along with objectives, outcomes, and key terms, creates the over-arching context for the specific chapter content.
Many authors will naturally write aspects or components of an introduction but bury them deeper in the chapter or personal anecdote; or get caught up in an overly detailed discussion of one aspect of the introduction but overlook the other components.
Reminding authors of the different methods for writing an introduction, and the three components of each, can help them bring focus to the chapter and set students up for success.