I have noticed that when I'm taking notes in class, I write much
slower than other people.  When I write down information, I do a quick
read of as much of it from the board as possible (which usually only
takes a second or two), then write it down as quickly as possible,
then look up for more info, down to write, etc.  As a result, I end up
missing out on what the instructor is talking about as I am trying to
write!

I was wondering if anyone has ideas on how to actually write faster,
or is this just a limitation of my hand/arm in comparison to others. 
I type pretty fast, but am aware of the different muscles used in the
process.  Also, I 'print' as opposed to 'cursive/script,' which is
generally slower and less legible in my case (cursive that is).

Thanks!

crd,

Are you trying to write down too much?  You don't have to transcribe
everything.  You have to evaluate as you listen and decide what you
actually need to take down.  That's a skill that takes practice, too,
but it may be better for the learning process and will certainly give
you less to read through later.  Maybe a researcher could help you
with information about deciding what to write as well as  about how to
write faster.

Archae0pteryx

Five Tips for Faster Writing by Michael Knowles
http://www.writethinking.net/Articles/How-to/fastwriting/fastwriting.html

1. Train yourself to write anywhere. Take advantage of those 15-minute
time slots that seem to arise when you're standing in line, waiting
for the kids after school, or heating up those leftovers. I never
cease to be amazed at the amount I can write down in just 15 minutes.

2. Practice speed writing. On your next project, set aside 5 minutes
to scribble out everything you know about the subject on which you're
writing. Don't think, don't blink, just write. Try it for pieces of
the projects you're working on, especially when you find yourself
stuck. Over time your productivity will skyrocket.

3. Use outlines. When you lay out the organization of a piece, you
free the writing mind to work. It loves bouncing around within a
structure -- let it.

4. When typing, ignore all typos. You'll fix them alter. Er, later.

5. Turn off your internal editor. Give up the anal-retentive need to
edit each line as you go. Write so quickly that you do not have time
to think about it. Your first draft does not have to be perfect --
and, in fact, it shouldn't be perfect. You'll rewrite it to your
heart's content later. But not too much, eh?

Those are great tips, thanks!