Using this frightening mass of paper and plastic lying in front of you is easier than you think. And it can be done in four steps:
Step 1
Record the first lesson on to the 10 minute blank tape. Using one section at a time on a single tape ensures you don't skip ahead, and gives you control over what you're listening to. You can rewind and fast forward at will, without finding yourself at a place on the tape where you shouldn't be. Listen to the taped dialogue three or four times to become accustomed to new sounds. Don't try to understand everything or pick out every word; this ability will come in time. On the third listening, follow the dialogue with the textbook.
Step 2
Listen to the dialogue line by line, pausing the tape and repeating what the speaker says. Don't worry about speed or fluency; these will come with practice. Try to get your mouth and tongue around the sounds, striving for proper pronunciation. Repeat this step, this time without using the text.
Step 3
This is where the drudge work begins. It's slow and boring, but it's vitally important. Listen to the tape line by line again; stopping each time you come across a new word or new grammatical pattern. For the first few weeks, all you will be doing is memorizing words and patterns. Do so by repeating the sentences of the dialogue, then by writing them out several times and repeating them onto a blank cassette. Compare what you've spoken with what's the main tape.
After a few lessons, you'll have amassed enough vocabulary and grammar to begin varying patterns by substituting different nouns and verbs. As you progress, you'll be able to create longer and more complex sentences with new material and old. Learning a language isn't merely accumulating new words and phrases, but being able to use what you've learned.
Practice the drill work in the same fashion. Listen to what's on the tape, repeat, record and play back. Then create your own examples. Strive for proper pronunciation and fluency. When necessary, refer to your dictionary, grammar and verb books for clarification of difficult-to-grasp points.
Working this way ensures you are not merely learning by rote, but are understanding what you are memorizing. The patterns will, if you practice properly, register almost automatically. And you'll be learning mainly with your ears.
Step 4
Six weeks or so after starting, go back to the first lesson and start reviewing the grammar and vocabulary you have forgotten. Believe me, you'll have forgotten more than you realize no matter how great your gains are. And I can't overemphasize the importance of review. Almost 50% of effective language learning is review.