Note taking
You should take notes in class (online or in person) and you should take notes in meetings. Notes are very important and rate up there with lists and reflections as simple, but effective tools you can use to improve your learning and performance.
You need to think about why you are taking notes. What should be in the notes? How are you going to use the notes? How can the note be created in the most efficient and effective way? How can you use the notes in the most effective and efficient way?
We will assume that you are taking notes as a memory aid (so you do not forget something) or as an aid for better comprehension and understanding. Notes for remembering and understanding are two different types of notes and you might want to consider developing two styles or two areas of notetaking to keep them straight.
Notes are also context dependent and by that we mean that the actual note and note taking will depend on you, the situation you are in, and why you think you need to take a note. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution here.
Possible suggestions
Handwrite them. Typing is not as good. More of the brain is used when you using pen and paper. We have said this on our pages on lists and reflections as well. It is based on science.
Do the note taking as you go. Do not try to rely on memory to create notes.
Listen to the speaker and pay attention to any dates, 'must', 'could', 'should', 'may', 'will' phrases. Or when the speaker uses a tone of voice or says something is important. These are noteworthy things in ANY meeting or situation.
Note any suggestions or recommendations for what to do, look into, study, dive into.
Note anything that is repeated, done more than once, said more than once.
When possible make a sketch, rough drawing (does not matter how good it is) whenever it is something that you need to remember. Science has shown that making sketches of stuff helps you remember! (significantly).
Have a way to organize your notes so that everything is not a mess - you have to be able to use your notes later.
Do not simply copy what someone is saying or writing if it is already written down in handouts or somewhere else (e.g., textbook). Little value in that. More value in writing down what you understand, what you do not understand, the instructor's or supervisor's interpretation of the situaton or material. Write down the stuff that is emphasized, important!
Do not simply copy out your notes when studying, time and time again. That really does not help. You need to use the ideas in the notes and make the ideas stick.