I Can't Keep Up: What Do I Do?
Keeping up with a lecture can be difficult, especially if 1) you have not been in a classroom for a very long time, 2) you have trouble hearing, 3) the material is technical in nature, or 4) the instructor rushes through the content. Rather than disrupting class by asking a neighbor what the instructor said, take what notes you can, then after class ask the instructor if you can have a copy of his or her notes. Explain that you were having trouble keeping up, but that you are committed to learning the material. If the instructor refuses, talk with some of the other students and ask if you can get a copy of their notes. Another possibility is to bring a small recorder to class and record the lecture, so that you can listen to it several times.
However, the best possible action would be to read ahead. Make sure that you have a foundation in the material so that it will make more sense to you. When reading the textbook chapter, there are several techniques that may help.
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If there are objectives at the beginning of the chapter, read them carefully.
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Go to the end of the chapter and read the summary.
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From the beginning of the chapter, read the headings and subheadings, and review any photos, sidebars and graphs.
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Then, from the beginning, read the chapter. As you read, outline the chapter. This will give you review and study notes, too. Create a mindmap of the material, and review it three or four times each week. This will help you move the information into long term memory.
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If there is anything that you do not understand, make an appointment with the instructor and ask. Be polite, but let the instructor know if you still don't understand, even after the explanation. Good instructors want you to learn the material and will be willing to help.