Determine if visual or audio methods of learning work best for you. An effective way to retain information is through repetition and learning in a way that is enjoyable. Homemade visual and audio aids are inexpensive and efficient.
Create handwritten index cards containing the information you're trying to memorize. Index cards are an effective visual aid. Use different colors to hand write the information. For example, if you are memorizing a vocabulary term, write the word on one side of the card in one color. Turn the index card over and write the definition of the word in another color. Color association will assist in remembering the word and its definition.
Record yourself reading the information you're trying to memorize. Use a voice recorder or webcam to record yourself reading the information aloud. Emphasize words of importance. Most people are not used to hearing themselves on a recording, and it will get easier. Listen to your recording at your convenience and even during your sleep.
Combine the audio and visual tools you have created to stimulate your mind to remember the information. Listen to your recording while reading the index cards. Synchronize the two methods. Don't attempt to read something different from what you're hearing on the recording, as this might cause a conflict in your mind when you try to recall the information.
Go to sleep. Sleep is a proven key in memorizing information. Your mind is re-energized after each period of sleep, making it easier to pull stored information to the front of your mind when you need it. Depriving your mind and body of sleep only makes it harder to focus. Thousands of college students will be happy to know that staying up all night cramming is not beneficial in obtaining an "A" and, in fact, it could be detrimental. Get a good night's sleep.