There are two general ideas to keep in mind while taking notes:
1. Stay organized so that your notes are useful during studying or writing your paper
2. Focus on main ideas so that you catch all of the important information
What matters about the note-taking method or template that you choose is that it works for you! As you study different subjects, your professors will introduce you to many different methods for note-taking. Here is some information about a few that you may be introduced to or may find helpful to use.
This is the PowerPoint template that Mike Eisenberg, one of the developers of the Big6 Information Seeking Method, suggests students use. View the video here for more information about how to use this template to take notes.
This is an example of the Cornell method of note-taking. Below you will find a few links to more information about the Cornell method. You can find more information about the Cornell method at either of these websites: Cornell Method PDF Generator or James Madison University's The Learning Toolbox.
This is an example of using index cards to note key points during research. You can find more information about using note cards during your research here: The University of California's "Oops, I thought your words were mine!"