Have you ever found that linking a picture with a location makes for easy memory? Try to relate things you want to remember with other things you already know.
For example, when I had to be able to find Costa Rica on a map, I noticed that the edge was spiked, and thought about how much the stock market increases. Then, on my test I remembered "cost of rice", which made me think about a stock market graph. Stock market graphs usually have a lot of spikes, and that made me think of the shape of Costa Rica.
This method of thinking can drastically decrease study time, and even make it fun (if you think of funny comparisons, of course).
Exercise Your Brain
Exercise for you body is always good, but did you know that the brain can also be physically altered? Memorize a paragraph of a book you are reading each night. Eventually, your short term memory should increase. Two months ago, it was hard for me to memorize a phone number. Now a single glance is all it takes.
From personal experience, I know that this can be hard to do, so you might not have enough time to do this. If you don't, find slogans on signs, TV, the Internet, etc., and try to remember them.
Learn a new skill
As memorization can recalibrate your brain, so can learning a new skill. Learn how to juggle or type without looking at the keyboard (these are simply suggestions. Any skill you find interesting will work). You may not find a huge difference with this, such as you would by pure memorization techniques, but it's easier and usually more fun!
-tutor1235