Create manageable goals or milestones so that you are not overwhelmed at the outset of starting a new class. Read the course syllabus before you begin class, and mentally divide up the work ahead by the weeks you have to do it. If you have to read a 300-page book by the end of the semester, then you can calculate how many pages to read each week.
Set aside regular study time to stay on top of the work. Review your current responsibilities and work schedule, and select blocks of time to devote to classwork. For every hour you are in class, you should anticipate having two or three hours of work outside of class, so plan accordingly.
Connect with others students to stay motivated and to engage your mind. To help retain the information you're studying, reach out to other students via email or online chat and discuss the main topics each week. Bounce ideas off of each other or quiz each other to reinforce your independent study.
Clarify what you don't understand with the teacher as soon as you can. Don't wait until the last week of the semester to pile all of your questions on the teacher. Ask for help when the problem arises, as oftentimes teachers construct lesson plans to build on what students learn from one week to the next. Misunderstanding a key concept in the first few weeks of class may negatively impact your entire semester.
Acknowledge your weaknesses when it comes to independent study, and figure out ways to overcome them. If you are easily distracted by the television or your computer, then schedule study time at the library where these items cannot interfere with your work.