Join in discussions. Relate what is going on in your class to your goals. If you are having trouble staying awake in a particular class, at the top of your notes write how that class relates to a specific goal of yours. Keep in mind the reward or pay-off for reaching that goal. Be alert to repetition.
Repetition is a signal that the instructor thinks the information is important.
Listen for introductory, concluding and transition words and phrases 3. Watch the board. Copy all diagrams, drawings, equations, names, places, dates, statistics, and definitions. Watch the instructor's eyes. Don't ignore obvious clues.