don't fear the dark side of XP, brother!
they do have a solution for a lot of problems and they know how to teach their solution. but seldom they have the best solution because as Masem mentioned: there is no best solution.

you asked for recommendations and experiences. so here's mine:
don't teach one way but teach how to think about a problem and teach to face the environment. teach to be flexible cos the environment will change and so will the demanded features. endmost you need then is a best way for the problem you had before the change.

the keys for solving problems is knowlegde and experience. providing the one best way doesn't support any them.

--slayven