Listening to lecture is a large part of student life in college. However, sometimes, it is difficult to catch what the lecture is talking about effectively. The suggestions I am about to offer might help you to get some value from lectures. Before you attend a lecture, it is very important for you to do the reading assignment. Ordinarily, the lecture will offer you the courses syllabus for the entire semester in the first class, and it is there you could find the lecture topics and reading assignments for each teaching session. Review your previous notes, which will help you recall concepts and vocabulary which may be used in the next lecture. Discuss the topic with your classmates. It is in this way that you can discuss what is important and become more familiar with the topic. Also, ask yourself "What do I already know?""What do I want to know?" "how will the lecture relate to other topics or to my interests?" "what am I supposed to learn from this lecture?" etc. Look up the pronunciation of new vocabulary and this will help you recognize the spoken form of the word during the lecture. Ask the lecture is you may audiotape the lecture. It is very helpful for international students in the very first teaching sessions.