Prepare ahead of time with the right materials. Use a three-ring binder instead of a notebook so that you can include handouts and take out specific sheets for studying later. In addition, bring highlighters with you, as you might want to highlight a particular aspect of a lecture while taking notes.
Listen actively. Good note-takers pay attention to what is important in a lecture and do not try to fully transcribe unnecessary material. For example, while it's important to write down the major points your professor is making, avoid recounting the details of every specific example a professor uses to demonstrate an idea.
Listen for definitions, comparisons or lists. When a professor gives an extended definition, this is a clue that it is an important concept. The same goes for comparisons between two things or lists of concepts, steps or any other aspect of a subject given in list form.
Pay attention to what is written on a chalkboard. Anything written on the chalkboard is usually very important and should be highlighted.
Use your own shorthand and aim for short, clear phrases, not word-for-word notes. For example, instead of writing out the word "with," use the symbol "w/." Many other common words can be shortened in this manner. Don't worry about incomplete sentences when taking notes: instead, focus on getting down the basic ideas efficiently.
Listen for repetition. Anything repeated more than once should be particularly highlighted in your notes.
Review your notes within 24 hours of taking them and edit or even re-write them as necessary. Not only does editing your notes refresh your memory, but it also allows you to clarify confusing notes, highlight important points you might have forgotten and elaborate on points that might be left unclear.
Use a laptop to take notes if you are more comfortable typing than writing longhand. Although a laptop can help you to take notes more quickly, avoid being distracted by the Internet or computer games.