[Quiet Man Cometh]

Nothing wrong with listening to music while studying, especially if it seems to help. I have difficultly focusing sometimes and there are a number of methods I use depending on what the issue is or how I feel at the time. I underline or reread things, or if I'm really having trouble I read chapters aloud to myself. I snack like crazy while I study or when I'm working on a paper. You use more calories than you think when thinking hard. (Apparently blueberries, trail mixes, and dark chocolate make for good study food. I go for chips and salsa too. :))

Talking with people helps, and I find so does 'translating' an idea or concept into something more to my own thinking. I wrte a lot of stuff out too, even if it's not entirely legible, since I have a good memory for things I read. I think a good approach is to learn what helps you retain information the best (reading, hearing, seeing, etc.) and work around that.