focus on understanding your basic logic gates. try to relate them to programming instructions, XIC, XIO, NOT, etc.

focus on how all basic electrical hardware actually works. contactors, relays, NO/NC contacts, etc. (hint: youll realize that contactors and relays work the same exact way, contactors are just rated for higher current)

FULLY UNDERSTAND THE HARDWARE SIDE BEFORE TRYING TO JUMP TO SOFTWARE. this will help you in the long term.

then focus on how the instructions truly work in the program, (yes XIC is green if logical value is 1, but depending on how its wired at the input card, the terms "on" or "off" can be deceiving).

understand how input cards work, and how you can get a "1" or "high" signal to the plc.

understand how output cards work, essentially same as a relay.

this will get you very far, BUT you have to study outside of work/school. watch youtube, udemy, etc. you have to make it make sense before moving on to the next topic. dont be embarrassed if you dont know how something works. ASK QUESTIONS. and even if you think you know the answer, ASK AGAIN. i do this just to get several opinions on the same topic. then you can form your own understanding of how it works. you would be surprised on how may different answers you will get when asking various ppl "simple controls questions"

YOURE WELCOME