No lecture can cover all the information, which is why the teacher expects the textbook readings to compliment what, is done in class. The question then becomes what is really important to study and how to be successful in the course.
Most history teachers provide the students with a vocabulary list.
Whether it is to be handed in for a grade, optional, or just a guideline, the student should look at this list the first or second night of beginning a unit. Who or What, Where, When, and Why important to what is being studied. Do not copy verbatim from the book but put in your own words. If the teacher writes important names, dates, events, etc. on the board as the lecture proceeds it is helpful during note taking to underline these words to emphasize their importance. The greatest problem that arises, when studying history is what should be highlighted in the text.