Choose a study space that allows you to concentrate. The area should be well-lit, nd relatively quiet and free of distractions. Make that space study-specific; only study there and don't do anything else. For example, studying on your bed is usually a bad idea. You might fall asleep since you associate your bed with tucking in for the night.
Survey the chapter before your professor gets to it in class. Note bold headings and highlight any key terms. Get your brain engaged in the text by writing down questions about the headings on a piece of paper.
Read the chapter thoroughly. As you read, answer the questions that you made up for yourself. Focus on understanding the material. If you own the book, make notes in the margins to define terms that you do not understand.
Bring your textbook along with you to class. While the instructor lectures about the topic, jot brief notes right in your book. Take down more extensive explanations in a notebook, adding textbook page references to link your lecture to the text.
Read the chapter again after the lecture. If you do not understand something, set up an appointment with your instructor to get clarification.
Note any diagrams that your professor emphasizes in class. You probably need to memorize these in detail. If in doubt, ask the instructor whether committing them to memory is necessary.
Make a copy of any diagram you are expected to memorize. Cross the labels out so you do not see them. Try to name as many parts as you can without referring back to your book. Then focus on studying parts that you did not remember well. Noticing how parts are organized in relation to each other can make diagram memorization easier; say these relationships out loud to yourself as you study.
Write out important definitions on index cards. Put the word on one side, then note its definition on the other side. Do not write the verbatim definition from the textbook. As you make each card, explain what the term means in your own words, using the text as a reference. Then note your personal definition on the opposite side of the card.
Review the major headings of the chapter. Without looking at the book, explain the main concepts behind each one aloud. You can also write out the main points on a piece of paper. Then check the book to verify that you did not miss anything.