How do you guys learn the thoery in chem?

[soccerboi]

I'm just writing study notes to help me learn, but any suggestions on how/ what i should be doing to learn the theory?
Should i rote learn answers to theory questions?

[chiral]

it's never a good idea to rote learn, you should understand the concepts so you are able to apply your knowledge.
and as far as i can remember you never get any questions in exams that require you to simply regurgitate information.

you should write notes in your own words explaining the concepts and not simply stating what they are

[MagicGecko]

what i tend to do for thery type question is to make a concept map with pictures representing each thing in the thing

for stuff like the AAS and the NMR and all those weird stuff i just made a concept map for each one of these techniques and drew my own little chibi drawings for each of their functions, hwat they do, how they do it etc.
the brain remembers stuff in the form of images, so even if i dont rememer what i wrote down i just remember the picture i drew for it and then i go- 'what does this picture mea--oh yeah, i remember!'...works every time.
and thats how i "memorized" all those theory type stuff. (-.-)

[yellowsone31]

I draw diagrams out, talk about concepts to my family etc. I find the best way to learn is through elaboration than rather simply rote.