I have had a unique experience with writing notes, note cards etc…
I used to rewrite all notes multiple times, and in general I would write write write. I ended up getting carpal tunnel syndrome and unfortunately couldn't write/type notes as a study method. Man carpal tunnel burns.
So at first my studies seemed impossible. How was I supposed to learn material. So after some struggles I started to realize something. Writing notes over and over helps learn not specifically because you are writing. Writing notes helps learn because it gets you to slow down and really take your time with each sentence.
Then I started to think, what is another tool I have to work with. I then realized my tool was what I used to ask my question, my voice!! My results then became better than ever. You see I was getting the advantage of writing notes but even speaking slowly takes less time then writing. But then I learned that I don't even have to speak if I don't want. I just need to go SLOW and steady. I think of the tortoise and the hare. I would simply read a sentence with all my concentration, and if it didn't sink in I would read it again SLOWLY and actively think about the material. I would not move on until I understood the material “in the moment”. I would not worry about forgetting it the next day because if I could learn it from scratch, then my next go around it would only be easier.
So in the end I go through material 3 times or so instead of rapidly going through it a dozen times. So writing helps you slow down, but if your hands are cramping or if you get carpal tunnel like me, you just need to slow down. Use your voice, talk about it with a friend, or even silently actively read to yourself, and don't move on to the next topic until you truly understand the material. Yes you may forget it, but with a slow and steady approach just 3 passes should do the trick!
Audit(11/5/13) - 89
Reg(5/16/14) - 86
FAR(7/18/14) - 82
BEC(11/14) - 85
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