It’s hard to gauge how much effort students are putting into the course. Grades have been very low, but it may be partly due to difficulties students are having recalling their Calculus I material. In any case, the material for the 2nd half of the course is conceptually more difficulty than the first half. I plead with those who stay to leave behind any embarrassment that they may have about asking questions and in general demanding attention on my part. I have begun to work in more places in the slides for exercises immediately after we cover a theorem or definition, so that some of the material can sink in during class. That said, it is only if you put in many hours (8-16 hours per week) outside of class before you will be able to say that you have mastered the material. A further reminder to take advantage of the tutoring that is available.