Write your notes on the right side of the line. After the lecture, use the left margin for key words or phrases, or sample questions when you review the notes. Take as many notes as you can. Do to stop taking notes if you are confused or if you want to ponder a particular concept. You will have time for that later.
Abbreviations are extremely helpful.
It may be difficult to make your notes look great or to have them extremely organized as you write them. Work with your notes as soon after class as possible when your recall is at its best. You may be able to fill in some blanks. Color-coding can bring some organization to your notes. For example, identify concepts and categories by highlighting items with a particular color.