typed vs written notes

[CassieBagley]

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When you guys take notes to study, do you type them out or write them out by hand? I have always written it out by hand, but just recently switched to typing them out and have found that I don't retain as much.

 

[JackShephard MD]

When you guys take notes to study, do you type them out or write them out by hand? I have always written it out by hand, but just recently switched to typing them out and have found that I don't retain as much.

Technology is your friend. Everything is faster and using it now will help you adapt to changes down the road.

If you like writing the you can handwrite key points.

 

[DocHawk117]

We are given note packets, but I studied by condensing and writing out the notes in my own words. This way, I got through the packets once very thoroughly, and then just had to review my notes. I stuck with this all through first year (except neuro, it was easier for me to type those ones), and now I have each semester condensed down to one binder. Worth it! But, it definitely depends on your learning style. Rewriting helps me retain it.

 

[Valadi]

Depended on the class. Ones that were well suited to drawing pictures/drawing mind maps I wrote. Summary-type subjects got electronic notes.

I'm a big advocate of picking your study method based on the subject.

 

[Abby_Normal]

I also find that I retain less typing, but taking notes in a notebook during lecture wasn't working well, so I've come to a compromise. While in lecture, I take notes directly in Powerpoint (we're given the files in advance). Then when I study, I make note cards and/or summaries of my lecture notes by hand.

 

[metalgirl14]

I also retain more with written notes. I usually just watch the lecture on double speed and make an outline as I go.

 

[VisionaryTics]

I printed out all the powerpoints and wrote on those. While studying on my own, I always had a notebook or a stack of looseleaf paper nearby to scribble something. I handwrote everything because I found I retained it better if I did so, but I never planned on reviewing my handwritten notes. Just something to diagram a concept or write out a list.

 

[Slack3r]

When you guys take notes to study, do you type them out or write them out by hand? I have always written it out by hand, but just recently switched to typing them out and have found that I don't retain as much.

I tried typing at first and also didn't retain as much. Then I switched to writing in the provided syllabi, and now I take notes with a stylus on an iPad. Best of both worlds.

 

[username456789]

I handwrote all of my notes the first two years. I consolidated my class notes and relevant review text chapters into one place (well, into copious amounts of handwritten notes in many binders) and then only studied those handwritten notes.

It was super time-intensive, but I had excellent results (honored every class, knocked Step I and II out of the park). Your mileage may vary.