Quoted By:
Early on, when you start learning reactions, it is helpful to have a clear idea of what groups make a molecule polar or not, as well as what kinds of chemical groups are electrophiles or not (as in, are more likely to take electrons) from electron sources. If you can grasp that from a more general perspective than just memorizing the specific electrophiles given in an example reaction/mechanism, you will be much better off.
It is kind of the same principle of understanding and being able to derive formulas and specific relations on the spot is going to be better a methodnof learning/retention than just raw memorization of everything.
A good Organic chemistry exam will test your understanding of the principles demonstrated by learninf the specific reaction types, rather than regurgitating what you wrote into your notes when a professor covers a specific mechanism.
Also it helps to practice some deductive reasoning skills. Sometimes you are given unfamiliat reactants and are expected to write the major product. You can usually use the major chemical groups, reaction conditions (solvents, temperature, catalysts if given) to rule out certain products. This may sound like more memorization but with practice you should be able to reason through a lot of it.
