During lectures, instructors highlight some things more than others. How can you know what is being emphasized? Believe it or not, instructors knowingly and unknowingly give you cues as to which information they consider important. When you notice these cues during a lecture, make sure the information being presented at the time is recorded accurately in your notes. You may even want to highlight the information in some way, such as putting a star next to it, to make sure you review it thoroughly for your exams. Below we list some cues you can watch for.

1. Repetition. If an instructor repeats a point, it is probably very important. For example, if we wanted to emphasize the importance of this point, we would reiterate that students should pay attention to information that is repeated by the instructor.

2. Introductory or concluding phrases. As in you books, pay attention to phrases (e.g., "I want to introduce the following ..." or "In summary ...") that signify the beginning or end of a topical area, because they often signal the main point of the lecture is about to be given.

3. Information that is listed or qualified. If material is presented as part of a list (if your instructor says, "First...", Second...", and so one) or is introduced by phrases that include qualifiers, such as "most," "best," and "always," it is likely to be important and should be recorded in your notes.

4. Information that is written on the board or projected on a screen. Information written on the board or projected on a screen is even more likely to be important information if you instructor does not normally present anything in this way.

5. Material that the instructor reads directly from his/her notes or from a PowerPoint slide. Instructors vary in the degree to which they stick with a "scripted" lecture. Some will talk in seemingly extemporaneous manner, whereas others will rely more on their notes. In either case, pay particular attention when instructors read directly form prepared notes or slides. This is a signal that the information to follow is likely important and the instructor wants to make sure it is communicated clearly and accurately.

6. Anything the instructor indicated is important or will be on the test. Don't miss the obvious! If your instructor tells you directly that a certain material is important or will be covered on the exam, make sure you note it during the lecture and study it sufficiently later.

7. Personal examples of illustrations. Personal examples or illustrations are crucial information, particularly for kinesthetic learners. Examples and illustrations provide essential details for understanding the concepts of the class and help you make the information personally meaningful, which is a deep-level learning strategy.