Get to class early and find a seat near the front, with as few distractions as possible. Arriving early gives you time to sit and get yourself into a relaxed, receptive mood. Arriving late to a class not only frazzles nerves but also makes you run the risk of missing important and useful information.
Look over your notes from the previous lecture before class begins. Reviewing your notes will help you "warm up the engine" and prepare you mentally for another note-taking session.
Do not try to write down everything that the instructor says during the lecture. Listening to the lecture is more important than trying frantically to scribble down every word. Write down only the most important points.
Do not get hung up on grammar and spelling. You can correct the grammar and spelling later. Concentrate on keeping your handwriting swift yet legible.
Write notes in your own words. Writing the notes in your own words will force you to think about what you are writing, rather than simply transcribing directly from the lecture. Taking notes in your own words will also make it easier for you to read them later when you review your notes. Write down major ideas and key concepts if you find that you are unable to reword immediately what the lecturer has just said. After the lecture, go through your notes and expand on the key concepts in greater detail.
Use consistent and recognizable abbreviations where possible.
Review your notes after the lecture and revise any unclear or ambiguously worded notes. Use this as an opportunity to make a short summary of the main ideas and major information points at the bottom of each page.
Keep taking notes. Do not skip days in your note taking; getting lots of practice is important. As you continue to take notes, you will notice things about your own note-taking style that are effective and other aspects that need improvement.