The biggest improvement to studying, for me, was to study consistently. No cramming. So, lets say I have a class that meets MWF with a Th lab.
So, either the night before or the morning of, I skim/read the material in the text for the class. I jot down anything that doesn't make sense on at least a cursory level, or any questions that I have (stickies work well for this.) Depending on the course, I might take notes form the reading (rarely.) I also glance over my summary notes from the previous class to be sure I am up to speed. Right before class (say the 2 minutes before) I jot down everything I know about the topic of the day. That might include stuff from the text, the lecture, etc. This is concept work...not details. Single words or brief phrases. This gives my mind something to 'hang' the new ideas to...a way to form connections. Then I take good notes during class (not too much, not too little) and try to fill in the answers to my quesitons and be sure to pay attention to areas where I felt like I would have trouble. This helps keep me focused during class. I also try to predict what the prof will say next, and try to make mental connections in my head (so, if Ca+ is lacking, what will happen to the animal?) or even absurd connections. If something pops in my head, I write it down in cursive (I print my notes otherwise) which just lets me know that is my thought. If I can, I ask questions if I need to. At the end of class, while everyone is crowding the door, I do a quick glance over the day's notes, trying just to see the big picture, how they fit with the framework of class, and the most important components. Pack up and head out. I will generally keep mullling over the material for about the next five minutes. That evening I will review those notes, and I might go ahead and prepare for the next class especially with a MWThF schedule. If I have a T Th schedule, I would hold off class prep for Tuesday until probably Sat, Sun, or Mon. I would still review, though.
The above is what gave me the most improvement in school. What I did otherwise depended on the class: problem sets, summarizing notes, creating a master notes page, mind maps, charts, flashcards, mnemonics, diagrams, etc.
Consistency is key to long term recall. The more I can connect the information to other information, the more likely I am to recall it. Also, when I do study, I take 10-15 minute breaks every two hours, and 2-5 min breaks every half hour (just to look up, stretch, take note of my surroundings.) I find this helps me compartmentalize the information.
Best wishes.
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