Final answer:
When struggling to understand a lecture or take notes, a student should ask for help from their professor or TA, and use resources to improve note-taking skills. Engaging with reading materials actively through a reading journal and annotation is also beneficial for better comprehension.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a student is having difficulty understanding a lecture or keeping up with the speaker to take notes, they should seek help after class from their professor or teaching assistant. They can ask questions during office hours to clarify complex topics. Additionally, students may benefit from improving their note-taking skills by utilizing resources such as student learning centers or using a reading journal to manage their notes and ideas more effectively.
It's also beneficial to read the course material in advance and engage actively with the text through annotation or summarization. Breaking the material into smaller chunks and reviewing it before and after class can greatly improve comprehension and retention. Asking questions about the text, annotating, and highlighting key ideas during independent study sessions can facilitate better understanding and prepare the student for discussions in the following class.
Most importantly, students should realize that it's natural to find new concepts challenging at first. Seeking assistance, practicing good study habits, and engaging actively with the material are crucial steps to achieving success in any academic field.