You don't have to write down everything I say. There are key individuals, events, laws, etc., which you will recognize as extremely important. The overhead, itself, is a treasure chest of exam material. When I discuss those terms, you should be sure to get those points down. Typically, the longer I spend on any one term, the more important I believe it to be.
Dates are less important.
It is true that I have one question on each test on the order of events. Those events are usually spread out over several years, if not decades. Thus a general grasp of the narrative should make that answer obvious. Some students find it helps to bring different colored pens. Create a system of symbols and abbreviations.