shootingstar

I think whether or not you take notes is purely a function of personal perference. I took extensive notes for L1 and I think it helped a great deal. However, I agree with others here that it was more the process of taking the notes which was important. I re-read them later on, but not all that often.

I have now started to study for L2 and having learned from last year's L1 experience, I have changed my approach slightly. I read each chapter carefully, highlighting the key elements. Then I type up my notes, making sure that I don't copy from the book but put the information down in my own words - this way I feel that I retain a much greater amount of the information and the notes become infinitely more readable/usable afterwards.

But as i said, think that this is a personal choice and depends very much on the way you learn best.