Most of your students don't know how to take notes. Although the following tips may be obvious to you, you should stress them to your students.

Decide whether you want to take notes in a notebook or with a portable computer.

Don't use loose paper.

You should have a separate notebook or a divider, for each class. Don't write everything. You can't learn anything that way.

Listen for your teacher's main points. These are sometimes on the board or on a slide.

Some of your teacher's explanations or examples may be useful as well.

Some teachers repeat their main points, or say them louder. Things they emphasize are likely to be on your test.

It would be useful to develop some shorthand or shortcuts. For example, you can use the initials of the course as an abbreviation for the subject matter.

You may also want to review notes from other students. Swap notes and both of you will benefit.