What worked for me the best was taking hand-written notes in class and then typing them out on my computer shortly thereafter. That way I went over the notes again and could add ideas or thoughts once the class had passed, and I had a large, searchable archive of notes on my computer, which made writing papers so much easier!! I do the same for reading. It takes more time at the onset, but when it comes to writing, it's so much easier.

Good luck,

RJ