Then you can check with the text or at least know what questions to ask if getting help from someone else. If you should miss something completely, leave a blank space and get it later. Use margins for questions, comments, notes to yourself on unclear material, etc. Develop a code system of note-marking to indicate questions, comments, important points, due dates of assignments, etc. This helps separate extraneous material from the body of notes and also helps point out areas which are unclear.
Margins are excellent places for coded notations.
Attempt to differentiate fact from opinion. Notes should include all main ideas and enough subordinate points to clarify understanding. All formulae, rules, definitions, and generalizations should be included. Inclusion of the speaker s illustrations and examples may help clarify concepts when notes are reviewed. Marginal notes facilitate speedy location of specific items.