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I'm asking this question right now due to the fact that a lower back problem has made it very difficult for me to do much but lie down for large sections of the day when it flares up, and the fact that it is quite difficult to take notes when lying on your back.

How important would one say taking notes is to the mathematical learning process? What other ways are there of learning?

I've always taken notes in the past, but the development of this back problem has made it very painful to stand or sit longer than necessary at times, and during those times much of my sitting time must go towards doing the problem sets.

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    $\begingroup$ @celeriko Anecdotes are acceptable, but research is preferable. $\endgroup$
    – Nethesis
    Commented Oct 11, 2016 at 18:48
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    $\begingroup$ Is this at home simply reading? Or doing exercises? Or in a classroom? $\endgroup$
    – Daniel R. Collins
    Commented Oct 12, 2016 at 1:30
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    $\begingroup$ @DanielR.Collins Writing helps one remember things, in general $\endgroup$
    – Nethesis
    Commented Oct 13, 2016 at 15:08
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    $\begingroup$ (cont from converted answer) You'll have to learn which position best suits you. Remember, scribbling is frequently required but, for me, it worked to write only what was necessary. For instance, I only wrote only definitions and theorem/lemma statements and that, too, in very symbolic notation. Hope this helps and hope you recover soon. Get yourself checked/treated properly. $\endgroup$
    – quid
    Commented Oct 15, 2016 at 6:58
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    $\begingroup$ I never learned anything in math classes or seminars until I stopped taking notes. I listen better if I don't take notes. The key in a lecture is to get the ideas. Later one has to sit with pen and paper, but even then it is usually more productive to think before putting pen to paper. Now I only take notes in seminars that treat a topic I already know something about. $\endgroup$
    – Dan Fox
    Commented Sep 15, 2019 at 9:53

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