If you don't understand the assignment…….
First…….read all the directions you were provided. If you're stressed or distracted, wait a while and read them again. Understand what you are supposed to do, from start to finish.
Second…..remember that instructors are people too. They may get the point across to the majority of students, but maybe not everyone. You may be part of the group that did not understand adequately, so contact the instructor as soon as possible and ask for help. Ask questions in class or before you leave the classroom. Frequently, other students have the same question you do but are reluctant to ask. This is the best place and time to get something clarified for everyone. This also allows the instructor to know, over a period of time, what methods work better than others and helps them improve how they teach.
Don't rely on another student for clarification, because they may have misunderstood the instructions also!
Don't ask another instructor, librarian, or family member…..they're not mind readers and even though they have good ideas, they won't be grading your course work, will they?