Depending on what you are studying these methods may or may not work;
1. Always reflect on what you just read, ways of doing this are;
Writing a summary
Predicting an outcome
Taking quick notes
Highlighting text.
2. Annotating text is a great way as well
(Please only use this method if you are doing so on a textbook you own, or a separate piece of paper)
Ways to annotate;
Highlight topic sentences
Highlight words you do not understand and define
Write personal thoughts of text on one margin (or side of paper).
Write summary or important points of text on opposite margin (or side of paper).
paraphrasing text into words that you will remember.
3. Physical aspects
Do not study in areas that are too comfortable
Do not study in areas with too much outside noise
Not only is this a distraction but may combine with what you are reading.
4. Miscellaneous techniques - These might be the more unique methods.
Create drawings which associate with difficult text
Create a piece of literature with that which you are studying such as;
A poem
A short story
Associate that which you are learning with something you already know.
Example;
I have a pet dog and I am learning about the genus of dogs; Canis.
I think of my dog as a Canis Now
Good luck!