Don t go for that old gimmick of an upright chair, a noiseless atmosphere and a pot of coffee to stay awake. Perhaps those aren t the best conditions for you. Yeah, music is OK to study with. In fact, I sometimes think that reviewing works best when you re not as stressed by so such hard concentration. You just might learn better when you re more relaxed.
Concentration can break easier when it s been held for a long period of time on one thing.
Yes, highlighters do work. These little guys come in handy when you re using note cards or highly detailed notes for study guides and you ve got an exam on nothing but facts coming soon. Your life will be much easier. If you re really having trouble, take whatever you have to memorize with you. Maybe at school you can take them to different classes and when there s down time, review.