Examine the sample problems carefully. If the reading is too dense, try skimming it once to get an overview of what's going on, then coming back and reading in detail the second time. The active, aggressive reading advocated here is very time-consuming. Reserve it for the most important parts of your textbook. You might be able to get your teacher to list for you the most important sections, or you might have to decide for yourself.
Tips regarding lectures Listen aggressively.
What you get out of lecture is proportional to what you put into it. If you follow the lecture, think about the material, ask questions, and care about what's going on, then lecture will be an active, productive learning experience for you. If you sit slumped in your seat, then lecture will give you a backache and little more. Come to lecture armed with questions for your teacher, developed from doing your reading. Some students are used to rewriting their lecture notes or taping lectures and then listening to them twice.