Preparing for a College Lecture Class

Make sure you are ready for class. You need to be well rested and have something to eat before class. You won’t learn much if you are tired and hungry. Have your class materials such as notes, paper, pen and/or laptop ready to go.
Read your study materials before class and prepare a list of questions you want to ask.
Get to class early. Take a few minutes before class begins to review your notes and study materials from the last class to refresh your memory.
Sit in the front of the room.
Listen carefully to what is said. Don’t be so busy with notetaking that you miss part of what the instructor is saying.
Record your lectures – with the instructor’s permission, of course.
Create your own methods for notetaking. Use your own words. Use different colors of pens and highlighters to organize information.
Pay attention to what is and is not in your lecture handouts. What information do you need to gather on your own? What is the instructor emphasizing in the lecture?
Take at least one minute immediately after class to review your notes. This will help you retain information.
Ask questions when you need clarification.