You may want to take some notes during class, but do not let that get in the way of keeping up with what is going on in class. Stop the CD in order to repeat the lines of the dialogs. The CD can also be used for dictation practice. These should be fairly easy to do and will give you confidence in speaking with fluency. Develop a systematic way of organizing the increasingly large amounts of materials for which you will be responsible.
Language learning requires constant review of previously-learned material.
You may want to make vocabulary cards or lists according to word groups. Find your own learning and organizational style, and continue reviewing on a daily basis. Work to develop a strong personal desire to learn Japanese that relates to your career objectives. Make Japanese friends. Your study of Japanese will have its highs and lows, so it is important to have broader perspectives in order to keep going.