This will provide you with a quick review quiz at all times. Also in the margin include questions related to the lecture. Put notes in permanent form the first time you record them. Recopying is a waste of time. Paraphrasing, condensing, expanding, grouping ideas, and other active work with notes is not.
Many students believe that using a tape recording in class is helpful.
This m ay be true for some students, but for most, it makes them passive listeners. Unfortunately, they rarely do. Having to listen to the lecture twice is double the time and work. Take notes well the first time. If you have to use a tape recorder, use one with a number counter and take notes, leaving blank spaces and the number on the tape counter whenever you get lost.