I actually have found that taking notes during class just distracts me. My theory for the past two years has just been to attend all of my lectures, listen/watch the prof, sit near the front, try and minimize distractions, and just BE there. Now, the only time that this hasn't worked is when my prof's don't post their notes, but for the ones who do - I just go and listen! It makes class MUCH more enjoyable, and I find I remember things better that way!