Taking notes (by hand, if possible) is required in every class.

There are two main reasons why note-taking is important1:

1. When you are reading or listening, taking notes helps you concentrate. In order to take notes - to write something sensible - you must understand the text or the discussion/lecture. As listening and reading are interactive tasks, taking notes help you make sense of the text.
2. Notes help you to maintain a permanent record of what you have read or listened to. This is useful when revising in the future for examinations or other reasons.

Taking notes does not mean writing down every word you hear; you need to actively decide what is important and how it is related to what you have already written.

It has been found that the first benefit above is significantly enhanced when taking notes by hand rather than by electronic means2. In addition, electronic devices can be distracting to the user and to students around you3.

Additional Benefits of Note-Taking4: 

• Improves focus and attention to detail.
• Promotes active learning.
• Boosts comprehension and retention.
• Teaches prioritizing skills.
• Extends attention span.
• Improves organization skills.
• Increases creativity.

1. http://www.uefap.com/reading/notetake/notetake.htm

2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/

3. https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/technology-and-student-distraction

4. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140907101944-51876784-the-biggest-benefits-of-effective-note-taking/