[csnewb]

To improve information retention you should exercise your "information retrieval". Basically, take a sheet of paper, write down the name of a topic you're learning or a book you're reading, and then write down as much information as you can remember about it. Compare your notes against your previous attempts to identify what you need to focus on studying/remembering more. Repeat this exercise until you can comfortably recall all the main ideas.

Two books I highly recommend that can help you with improving reading and learning skills: 1) "Make It Stick" by Peter C. Brown 2) "How To Read A Book" by Mortimer J. Adler.

Good luck!