The bad news is there are no study hacks. It's hard work.
The good news is there is a lot of research that can give you ideas about how to maximize your studying time. Here are some ideas.
Below is a link to a free e-book from the AUD library. It is about studying in general, but PART 5 is specific to memory building.
" Improve Your Memory
Human beings are capable of extraordinary feats of memory. In fact, experts in the study of memory agree that the skill isn’t all due o an inborn ability but is developed through the use of various techniques and considerable practice.
Overcoming Memory Problems
Have you studied for hours trying to memorize material for a test and then gone blank? Practicing the memory strategies in this section will help you reduce blanking out."
Lengefeld, U. A. (2009). Study Skills Strategies : Get the Most From Every Minute of Learning (Vol. 4th ed). [Rochester, N.Y.]: Axzo Press.
This is an excellent "How to" about getting to be a better note-taker.
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