I just read the article “Why You Learn More Effectively by Writing Than Typing” over at Lifehacker, and it’s really got me thinking. I definitely see the efficiency of typing (especially for me personally since I have sloppy hand writing and can type over 100 wpm), but also recognize the claim made in this article. I have heard before that writing something is equivalent to reading it three times. There’s definitely an important memory component tied in with hand writing. Also, I find there is something magical about actual pen and paper. I typically take crazy amounts of typed notes in my grad classes. I use a laptop (or, more recently, my iPad with a wireless keyboard) and nearly copy lectures verbatim. I realize the purpose in note-taking is simply to hit on important points. However, there are so many important points in the 7-8 hour lectures I attend, that I inevitably stop absorbing info at varying points in the day. I love having the detailed notes to look back at, especially if something was covered that didn’t resonate at the time but ends up tying into my research later down the road… but in my summer school class, as I mentioned at the time, our instructor told us NOT to take exhaustive notes because she would be providing us with all her notes and power points at the end of the course. I found this very freeing and enjoyed handwriting just the most important ideas that resonated with me. I can’t decide how I plan to tackle my note-taking this upcoming fall quarter. Shall I pack up the tech again, or go buy a paper notebook with an inspirational cover?

How do you take notes??