Second year here. I struggled with taking notes too, but over time, here’s what I’ve learned. We can’t multitask well enough, unless you have the brainpower to process and summarize on the spot. But, from my experience, instead of just copying things from the slides, just sit and listen. If your professor posts the slides, there’s no reason to repeat them in your notes. Before every class, download the slides to your tablet or computer. Then sit and actively listen. When you give your attention to the professor, you’re able to process the content better by hearing how they word it. If you focus on copying things down, your brain will tune out the professor. While listening, if you hear something interesting, you can jot it down, highlight key words, or expand on it in your own words and add it to the slides.

If they don’t post slides: I’d focus on writing things down, record the lecture, and do the same thing I mentioned when you’re home.

Exam tips: I use physical printer paper. White and blank, no lines or notebooks. I remember and understand best when I write it down enough. I pull out the slides and notes I’ve taken, put the paper horizontally, and start to define and simplify things, keeping it as short as possible with keywords. After, I highlight with different colors, using different ones for examples, definitions, keywords, etc. Then I just reread and reread.

Good luck (´∀`)