Collect the major points. Don t try to get everything into your notes. Watch for guidelines in phrases that mark transition from one topic to another. These will help you in developing a clear outline. In lectures, listen for repetition, which usually means that the repeated item is important.
Materials written on the blackboard are almost always worth taking down.
In taking notes from books, watch for markers such as headings, subtopics, italics, numbering, etc. Take special note of topic sentences in paragraphs. Review your notes frequently, linking the older with the newer learning s. Know Your Instructor. Do not hesitate to talk to your instructor to get assistance in understanding course content as well as classroom and testing procedures.