Mathematics is a discipline that can only be learned by doing it. Listening to a lecture is not the same thing as working through problems on your own, so if you plan to learn the material, you really must do at least the assigned problems.
Each day in class I will ask if you have questions about the homework, and if you do, we will go over some of the problems. It is important that you be prepared to ask questions, as otherwise we may not cover the material you are finding difficult. It is also important that you do the homework before we go over it, or you will lose the benefit of the homework assignments. I do not expect to spend more that 10 minutes per class going over homework, however, so you should feel free to see me in office hours if we do not get to cover your questions in class.
See the study suggestions for some helpful hints on homework.