How to Study in a Time Efficient Manner

By:      Paul J. Bello

            ACE, BCE, MBA

            PJB Pest Consulting and Education

            www.pjbpestconsultant.com

            paul@pjbpestconsultant.com

Updated:      June 18, 2021

This article was written to assist Industry colleagues who wish to pursue their ACE, BCE, licensing and other credentials where passing an exam is required. It was especially written to assist those participants in the PJB ACE/BCE Exam Preparation Program. The fundamental study techniques described herein are utilized regularly by successful students and exam candidates. While these methodologies may be familiar to students, they can be foreign to working adults who’ve not learned them.

Let’s say you need to study for and pass an upcoming ACE, BCE or State License exam. While this seems simple enough for most students, the trouble is you’re not the average student, you’re an adult. And, the test you’re trying to pass is for a professional license or certification, not something easy like Algebra or World History when you were a student back in school. To add to your woes, you work all day and each night offers limited hours to eat dinner, spend time with your family, rest for tomorrow’s full day and, oh yeah, to study for your upcoming test.

As an adult you likely have a lot going on in your life and little, if any, extra time to spend on studying for a test. Simply stated, time is at a premium for you and any time you’re able to spend on studying, is usually stolen from something else that you need to be doing.

Of course, we all agree that we don’t want to waste time or rely upon methods that don’t really work. Two of the commonly utilized methodologies may be costlier in time to the studying individual than they can afford:

1. Highlighting: Many have spent time highlighting information in books which they decide is important. They highlight this information within a reference book such that they can subsequently refer back and possibly learn it later. However, in so doing we may be fooling or cheating ourselves because we may or may not take the time to re-read this information and or actually learn it at a subsequent time. While it’s okay to highlight, don’t depend upon this method alone for your learning and retention purposes.

• Repetitive Reading: Some folks subscribe to, perhaps due to ignorance or simply not knowing any better, that reading and re-reading information is a viable way to learn and remember the desired or needed information. However, learning experts disagree on this and research indicates that this takes more time than the individual might think or even have before information is actually learned using this method.

What we need is to utilize study methods which are both time efficient and effective for you. Below are a few suggested methodologies which may help you attain your passing grade goals for the tests ahead.

1. Study smarter: Begin with the end in mind. For example, if the test is going to be 60% on insect physiology, it would be wise to devote a representative quantity of time on that subject area.

• Annotative study: In speaking with students, it seems that most folks do not know what annotative study means. Annotative study is merely a fancy way of saying that you take notes while you study. What you’re doing is actually writing information down that’s important to you as you’re reading and studying. Note that research reveals that taking notes serves to help you to remember and learn in a time efficient manner. Be sure that your notes are legible and include enough detail such that you can learn from the notes when you refer to them later as you study further.

• Tabs: Place tabs on pages in reference books where important information is found. It’s wise to print a key word on the tab such that the tab is truly a quick reference tab for your future reference. Remember, you’re doing this to save time as you study.

• Habitual study: Habitual study means you keep to a schedule. Of course, keeping to a schedule may be difficult for the adult learner because our schedules are so hectic each day. However, if you really want to attain your goals, you already know you’re going to need to make a suitable time commitment to succeed. As such, set aside a reasonable amount of time each day or week and stick to your commitment.

• Flash cards: Creating flash cards for yourself is an effective learning trick. The reason it works is because you’re actively writing your own flash cards and then using the flash cards numerous times to quiz yourself.

• Compose test questions: Writing your own test questions is an effective learning tool as well. You’re only limited by your own imagination when you compose your own test questions. Note that it is best to write these test questions in a similar format as they will appear on the test you’re studying for. For example, if the test is going to be multiple choice, then write multiple choice type questions.

• Post Information Sheets: This is a technique I used successfully to advantage as a student. Prepare single sided, one-page informational sheets on a certain topic. Of course, these sheets need to be legible so it is likely best to prepare them using your computer and printer. Post these sheets where you’ll be able to see them each day or often. As an example, a list of insect orders and families might be helpful for your purposes. You’re only limited by your own imagination.

• Use the Correct References: Always check for a list of study references, subject matter, books and other such resources. The exam administrators may provide a comprehensive list of study resources from which the test subject matter is drawn. Some of the best pest management industry references include Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Management Operations, the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, the NPMA Field Guide and a number of others.

1. Get a Study Coach: Enlist the assistance of a trusted study coach or subject matter expert who you can ask questions or learn from for those areas or subjects you may have difficulty.

As Industry professionals, Program participants must deal with the demands of their career while attempting to sufficiently study to advance their career and increase their professionalism. The foundation of the Program is based upon using time efficient study methods in combination with providing Study Coaching for all members via various means.

Remember that anything worth having is worth the effort to attain it. Commit to your study plan and good luck to all !