Adding onto what
>>7 said– you can also use a scent. Like cologne, perfume, or lotion. They say that smells are the most memory-provoking of your 5 senses.
Using a red pen or highlighting using yellow will help you remember what you write.
When reading textbooks, people usually read straight from start to finish right? But for some people (like me), it's easier to read the introduction, the conclusion, and any charts/diagrams; and then go back and read the entire thing. Some people's brains just like to have the broad concept, and then fill in details afterwards. You can try that and see if it helps you.
To memorize, I mostly either type/write whatever it is repeatedly, saying it out loud as I go, until I get it.
And make sure you take breaks after every hour of studying. But 5-10 minutes only!
If you don't understand any material– I recommend Ms. Kendall on Brightstorm. You can look her up on youtube. As a second choice, you can try khanacademy.org
I'm taking chem too– it's a killer. Good luck, buddy. I hope this helps.