Write down the date.
Draw a vertical line down the lined portion of the page, about one-third of the way over from the left margin.
Write down categories and questions on the left side of the line as the lecture proceeds - for instance, "What to do if you catch fire."
Put specifics and answers on the right side of the line - for instance, "1. Stop; 2. Drop; 3. Roll."
Use abbreviations to keep up with your professors. Simple symbols include an up arrow for "increase" and a right arrow for "led to" or "resulted in."
Note anything you're unclear about at the top of the page, and ask about it during the question period.