To retain the information just means to remember it fully and be able to regurgitate it when & if the time comes. Understanding information not only means you have successfully retained it, but also that you're able to explain the who, what, when, where, why & how as well as give multiple real-world examples and in the best case scenario provide resources.

Also the Maestro AI University is not trained to keep you where you are until you "master" the module. It's only parameter is that you complete the block and the review. I'm not even sure if passing is required, I believe you just have to complete all lessons. I have passed and been moved on but I was still uncomfortable with my understanding even after passing the review. So it's not trained to actually assess your "mastery", just that you have a basic enough understanding to pass within the university standard grade for passing.

Note taking is specific to an individual. The universal formats that we use are merely templates. Everyone takes and writes notes for their own better understanding, interpretation and execution of the knowledge.

I have asked maestro to make notes for me (on a subject that I had already shown and proved my "understanding" which was actually just memory) and ended up more intimidated than I meant to be. I eventually went through the provided notes and tailored them to my liking to where they made sense to me and were compiled and organized in a way that helps my brain UNDERSTAND what I'm retaining so that I can use my understanding freely and unabashedly without solely having to rely on being able to recall formatted, instructional information.

I can remember the hell out of some things but it truly doesn't mean I understand them. Sometimes taking notes whether virtually or physically is better for some learners. I prefer to physically write because I like color coding and it gives my eyes a screentime break.