The best way to learn a new language is by living it. Avoid speaking English in class. Speak French whenever possible. Try small, portable flashcards rather than long vocabulary lists. Make an effort to use the words you've learned, so that they become YOUR words and not just something stored away for some indefinite future use.
Language builds on itself, so keep up with the work.
This mental activity will give you some useful practice. The tape program is an important part of the course. You should plan to spend at least 2 hours working with the tape from each unit. Don't be afraid to pause and replay frequently. Practice speaking together in French, drill each other before exams, and read the stories together.