Fill in the blank test memorising facts. There are always facts that professors think are important to remember, they are often assign books that have the written facts they belive worth remembering. So to figure out what to study first, it takes a sertain amount of reflection(paying attention) while you are reading to highlight 3 basic facts in the chapter, if there is goals outlined then thouse basic concepts are obviouse, if you don't have goals outlined in textbook something that relates to goals professors outline, then there is just in context figuring out the main line, and facts that relate to vocabulary and main thought. SQ3R method works as well for this problem. The main problem Question, outline, and then compare your answers with professor, by going to lecture. My caviate for that problem, get the main idea and vocaburary.... then basic facts. the rest is easy, note cards, using vocabulary in context aka doing homework