How funny, I took notes for a class to A/B test this and note taking ruined my ability to internalize data. When I wasn't taking notes, concepts would fly into my head as I'm writing an exam along with the associated memory (where I was sitting that day, whether it was bright out, where the lecturer was standing wrt board). When I took notes, I had all these notes and none of this would happen.
I used pen/paper. I also tried, separately, computer-based stuff and that ruined my ability to concentrate.
For me the note taking helped with the internalization process of linking the information with the memories of the professor talking about the lesson.
I think the key is to still allow your mind to wander and build the connections. I found I always had the best luck if I was a little distracted, but mostly paying attention.
Perhaps because the variations in attention helped to differentiate which information felt important vs what was just background noise.
That's also one of my favorite quotes on the topic and have heard it phrased a few ways and variously ascribed [1] but definitely military where it's also said Generally that "all combat takes place at night in the rain and at the junction of four map sectors"
agreed. i wanted to build something, and set myself a 90 (end of quarter) target. it really focused me on just doing what needed doing. my plan did not survive long, but i kept updating it to focus on what mattered. in the end i hit my abitary date, but i carried on tweaking for another 30 days before i was really happy. so reall a 33% overrun.
Took me some years to fully internalize this, but I endorse it.