How can I fix trouble learning/retaining information?

[JeffAndersen]

Alright, so it's been this way for a long time with me. I'm not stupid, but when learning sometimes I get all of it and it's all settled in my brain, but other times even if I've seen the information multiple times it just won't stick. That happened when I was in school but that was years ago. Now I'm doing something I like doing and I've realized I still have the problem. Is there anything I can do to correct this?

The problem ranges from small things to big things. I fix aircraft, and I often end up lost and wondering, which switch does what? Or what part communicates with what? Or maybe what order I have to do something in.. while others all have it memorized and it makes me look quite dumb simply because it's been a year and I still can't remember a few basic things (yet I can sometimes remember complicated things).

This may sound confusing, i'm not real sure how to word it. I was tested for ADD as a kid though and I didn't have it.. I don't know if someone would have suggested that but yeah.

[Desert Rat]

I have the exact same problem, and because of it I've failed almost every class I take.

[editline]24th July 2011[/editline]

Also the tests for ADD are bull shit, you might have it but the doctors are too stupid to properly diagnose it

[JeffAndersen]

See that's the thing too.. I often can retain it for a day then it gets dumped. I used to ace tests because of it, but if you actually asked me about the subject I wouldn't have a clue besides the few bits and pieces that did stick. I'd rather have everything stick...or most of it. I'm trying to become proficient at this job so it's important to me.. I'm just so lost.

[Desert Rat]

I know exactly how you feel, I have the exact same problems. On top of it, I have serious medical conditions that cant be treated and miss school a lot, so between that and this I haven't passed all my classes since like 1st grade.