Motivation. Why are you taking the class you are taking? You need to take classes you truly want to learn about. In college, we are forced to take classes we do not want to take. It is critical that you find a way to motivate yourself to learn the information. Figure out how you can relate it to your life and run with it!
Attend class on a regular basis. You cannot learn information if you are not present.
Active v. Passive Listening. Instead of just sitting in class like a frog on a rock, ask questions when you are confused. Challenge your professor to answer your questions. You are paying good money for a reason. If the professor can not explain your answer in a productive manner then read your book thoroughly, ask a friend, do whatever you need to do to understand the information.
REVIEW. This is probably the most important step. Review the information you learned right after class. This can be difficult, but if you force yourself to do it the results will amaze you. With every hour that passes by you are forgetting crucial information that has been stored in your short term memory. Also review right before bed and right when you wake up. There is no outside stimulation to make you forget the information during this time. Sleep increases your memory when you study before bed. It is proven - give it a shot. You will be amazed by the amount of information you remember when you wake.
Context. If possible study in the same place every time. Sit in the same place every time during class as well. If you are confused on a test question, ask yourself where you were studying when looking at the information. Sometimes this will trigger your memory.
Distributive Practice. Study a certain subject for 20 minutes and then move on to a different subject. The brain has a limited capacity as to how much information it can retain in a short amount of time. In other words, cramming is pointless. The best way to do well is to study subjects for a small amount of time daily rather than waiting until the day before the exam and studying for 10 hours. It is simply a waste of time.
Review material the day before the exam right before you sleep and right after you wake. This will solidify any information that you were unsure of.