Whenever I solve a problem (textbook or exams), I always copy key parts of the question to my paper where I'm doing my calculations, even though I have the problem in text-format right next to me on the desk.
Recently I had a teacher who advised us not to "waste time" copying a problem but to simply start solving it.
While I feel like I get to interact with the problem more if I first copy it, it does take some extra time. (I'm not talking about for instance drawing a figure to visualize the problem but simply copying what is already provided.)
Is there any consensus / suggestions / strategies on copying the problem?
My teacher obviously has way more experience than I do, and I would like to be more efficient at solving problems.
If you could visualize the problem at once from the text version, then there would be no point in rewriting it. However, if the visualisation is difficult prima-facie, then re copying has some effect which helps in visualisation, similar to drawing and calligraphy. Of course, you should try to internalise(think deeply/subconsciously about the problem) about the problem, along with rewriting, so that the time is better utilised. It is a matter of preference.
Ultimately, it is whether you solve the problem or not that matters. If you are able to solve or get close to solution by your acts, then proceed!