When your instructors lecture, keep in mind these simple rules of note taking:

• Pay attention. This is obvious but essential advice.
• Get familiar with the topic of the lecture before the class. If a reading or another assignment is due soon, read it before the day of the lecture.
• Take down in your notes the major points of the lecture as well as important facts and dates.
• The instructor should make these points clear and will probably put them on the board or emphasize them in some other way. Always note any point that is emphasized.
• Don't try to write down everything that the instructor says. If you attempt this, you will be so busy getting every word that you will not have the time to decide which points are more important than others.
• If a point sounds important and you feel you do not fully understand it, don't hesitate to ask a question.
• After class, take time to review your notes. If they are difficult to read or understand, you need to pay more attention to your note taking.
• Read your notes over every week. Doing so will help keep the course material fresh in your mind and facilitate your studying for exams.