Writing while studying

I was wondering, is it true that taking notes on something whether it is a lecture or vocabulary for a class is suppose to help students remember better. I mean I have wrote down things a lot but have not been able to remember them. I suppose some people may be able to see it written down and are able to store it better becuase you actually have to write it out. I have heard this from many teachers. They must have learned it from somewhere. Is it possible. If I study enough I should be able to pass a test, but is it possible for my brain to feel the informationI study is not imortant enough to remember. What do you all think about taking notes?