Determine the course schedule by locating the syllabus for the course. Download the syllabus if your professor stores it online and print a copy for your records. Write down the days that you have classes, the assignments you have due and how much each assignment will be weighted throughout the semester.
Record the days that you make it to class, as well as the days that you have to miss. Highlight the days that you attend a course session on your syllabus using one color of highlighter and highlight any days that you miss with a different color highlighter. Make sure that you take notes in class about what you discussed in case there are any attendance discrepancies between you and your teacher.
Organize all homework assignments, quizzes, tests and projects that you receive back from your teacher. Store these papers in a file folder that you can refer back to throughout the semester. Don't dispose of any graded papers you receive back from your teacher as these papers can be used to help you keep track of grades you have earned.
Use a computer program or an old-fashioned assignment notebook to keep track of the grades you receive on any assignment that you turn in. You can use a spreadsheet program to keep track of grades on assignments. These applications offer tools and functions that allow you to come up with grade averages so that you can always be up-to-date with your course progress.
View your course website or grading system diligently, making sure that your teacher's records match your own. Many instructors record grades and share those grades with their students online. If your teacher uses an old-fashioned grade book, ask if you can review your progress throughout the course.