Fight the urge to write down everything you hear. The best way to reduce lengthy lectures to key points and terms is to take notes in outline form. Good outlines are succinct and easy to follow and serve as great study guides.
Learn shorthand. Some professors speak extremely quickly or pack more information into a lecture than students can record using conventional note-taking methods. If you don't have time to learn shorthand, use symbols and abbreviations that make sense to you.
Review your notes after class to make sure you understand everything you've written. Many students benefit from writing a short summary of each lecture in paragraph form and adding some personalized examples to those provided by their professor. Putting some extra effort into your notes will pay off when it's time to turn in a paper or take a test.
Prepare for class by doing all required and recommended reading. Students who take the time to prepare for lecture take more accurate and thorough notes and can ask more meaningful questions than those who do not.
Adhere to a note-taking method, such as the Cornell System. If organization is not your forte, a note-taking system can help you effectively record and order lecture material and your own thoughts. The Cornell System also encourages critical analysis through the development of questions, an excellent test preparation strategy.
Remember to take notes on all books and articles you read in preparation for attending class, taking area exams and writing papers. For best results, take notes in the margins while reading and transfer those notes into more detailed outlines after completing chapters or reaching other logical stopping points. These notes will serve you well for years, particularly if you plan on a career in academia.