Students' grades are determined by how much they demonstrate that they understand about the course material. That understanding is achieved more by students' effort than their natural ability. Any student with average intelligence should be able to pass a course, and for that matter, earn at least a 'C' if they meet some minimum standards for good study habits. More effort can result in better than average performance, a 'B", or exceptionally superior performance, an 'A".
First, always read the chapter before it is covered in class. Use a proven study method that includes previewing, and self-testing such as the SQ3R or PQRST method. If, after reading about the PQRST method by following the link, you still need help with it, then see me or ask at the Department of Developmental Studies (in the Beekey Education Center - 683-4208). Always come to class prepared to discuss the material. There are almost always some parts of the material that are harder to understand than others from just reading the text. Come to class prepared to ask about the parts that were harder to understand.
Always look up any terms that are unfamiliar. If they are technical terms, they should be in the glossary of the text. At some point, while reading the text, you should take some notes, perhaps in outline form. You might highlight a few, but not many, of the most important ideas.
You must attend all lectures and take good notes. If you miss a lecture, you must get good notes from a fellow student. Part of your study time using the PQRST method must be spent on the lecture notes, as well as on your notes from the text.
The most important part of the PQRST method is that at some point you must be away from the text and your lecture notes for a little while, and then come back to them and test yourself. You must do this by reproducing, without looking, as much of the material as you can. Then check the text, and/or your notes. to see how well you did.
You must continue this until you can successfully reproduce a large proportion of all of the major and minor points. An important part of studying is deciding which are the most important ideas that form the basis for helping to remember other ideas. Outlining is a great help in this process.
The points must include not only important facts and definitions, but also ideas, expressed in your own words. Some of these ideas must relate the points from one part of the text to others, or even to general knowledge that you have from outside the course.
The reason you must be able to reproduce material on your own is because this is how your understanding of the course is assessed on a test. If you can reproduce about three fourths of the content of the text and lectures without looking when you are studying, then you can expect to be able to do the same on a test, in other words, to score a 'C'.
Be honest with yourself. If you expect to get an 'A' on a test, then you should be able to reproduce about 90% of the content of the text and the lectures totally from memory without any help, even if you have not looked at it for several days. With enough practice and enough effort you should be able to accomplish this.
Practice organizing material by outlining, helping yourself to memorize by using mnemonic devices, and building on previous knowledge by relating new ideas to ideas you already firmly know. If necessary, get help in building up the habits of using these study methods by using the various resources offered by the University. For example, the Department of Developmental Studies offers SI (supplemental instruction), free tutoring, help with study skills, and referrals to other resources such as the writing lab. You can also get extra help directly from your instructor.
Do all these things and there is no reason why you shouldn't pass your courses with the best grades of which you are capable.