How do you actually learn??

This not a high level question. I am curious on how people actually retain information. For me, I need music or some kind of noiseif I am studing. This is because I have to turn off the other thoughts in my head and I have found that music does for me. In a lecture environment, I have to have something the is hands on. I have to try it, even if it is just going to a website they point out. How does it work for you?