There's probably something in all of these methods but everybody is different. I don't know if actual pen and paper is required, perhaps typing is just as good.

There's probably something in all of these methods but everybody is different. I don't know if actual pen and paper is required, perhaps typing is just as good. The benefit of typing is that the data is preserved in a useful format. If I write it out simply to learn it, what do I do with the paper? Crumple it up and throw it out? My process is to open about 20 browser tabs on a subject and cull them off one by one as I create flashcards from the information (process it, write bite-sized chunks in my own words). I learn via flashcards for about 15 minutes per day for a while. Nothing strenuous. That cements the 10,000ft view into my head before trying trying the hands-on stuff, so that I don't give up out of frustration. From there I try to use the information for real.