A quilting class is not a competition. There are those who think it is but the majority of individuals are all the same as you, they want to learn. I would sit in front so that I could both see and hear. I have taken several classes and felt like a dummy when I went in but what I learned was so priceless. I took a class on how to miter corners and my bindings are so great looking when I complete a quilt. You are there to learn, you have paid good money for this class so get a good return from it.