Don't pull all-nighters the night before the assignment is due to get done on time. My classes use collaboration extensively. Take notes in class Are on time to class. The first 5-10 minutes are when quizzes and all important due date reminders and info are given. People who miss those forget to turn things in an miss easy points by not taking quizzes Read the chapters in the book.
Some students think they can skip reading.
These people end up bombing assignments because I grade using criteria found in the book Treat me and other students with respect. For some reason, rude insensitive people tend to do poor work. I don't, and my standards are high. From course evaluations I have received, I can safely say that students who have taken this class seriously have left feeling like they learned something important and helpful to their lives, whatever grade they received. I hope you will too.