Listening and taking notes is one of the most difficult tasks to master.  Most students don't learn how to do this, even in college.

So, here's some tips to get you started and deveoping good habits that you can master over the next 4 years.

1.  Sit close to the instructor, especially if you are easily distracted.

2.  As soon as class begins, you should be ready to start.  Notebook, homework, pens/paper, highlighters, etc. should be out and ready to go.

3.  Listen for verbal cues from the teacher.

4.  Listen with your pen in your hand so that you're ready to write things down as they are said.

5.  Think of questions as you take notes.  Write them down in the margin as you think of them.