In a previous post, I introduced the GHOST BUST framework, a teaching approach designed to guide students toward mastery of science and mathematics topics. For those unfamiliar with this framework, I recommend reading the initial post here or revisiting it to refresh your understanding of how it can transform learning.

In my last post, I explored the Grab phase, which is the first step in this journey. The Grab phase focuses on introducing key concepts in a clear and actionable way, ensuring that students have a solid foundation to build upon. This phase gives learners the essential tools they need to begin their exploration of a topic through exercises, allowing for an inclusive start, no matter their level of ability.

But the Grab phase is only the beginning. After students have grasped the main ideas, it’s crucial to move forward with the next step: the Hold phase.

The Hold Phase: Keeping Concepts in Place

The Hold phase is the natural continuation of the learning process. Without this phase, the knowledge gained during the Grab phase risks falling into a void, rapidly fading from memory. The Hold phase must follow immediately after, allowing students the time and space to thoroughly comprehend what they’ve just been introduced to.

The Hold phase is driven by carefully chosen exercises that evolve in complexity and range. These exercises serve as the flashlights that shine on the content from different angles, gradually illuminating each aspect of the topic until students achieve a 360-degree understanding.

Imagine that the concept introduced during the Grab phase is like an object presented to the students for the first time. The exercises in the Hold phase act as beams of light, each one pointing at the object from a different perspective, highlighting unique details and nuances. By the end of this phase, students will have explored the topic from every angle, resulting in a complete and thorough understanding.

The Challenge of Exercises: From Memorization to Understanding

In many educational systems, students are often conditioned to rely on memorization rather than true understanding. This makes tackling math and science exercises a daunting task. For these students, exercises feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially when they are thrown into complex problems too early.

That’s why the Hold phase is designed to be gradual. It starts with simpler exercises that reinforce the core ideas before slowly increasing in difficulty. As students gain confidence and familiarity, the exercises progress to include more intricate problems, ultimately culminating in past exam questions. By the time they reach these exam-level questions, students have not only practiced but deeply understood the content.

This phase ensures that no one feels overwhelmed at the outset, allowing students to build their skills step by step. Each correctly answered exercise brings a sense of fulfillment and achievement, reinforcing the students' belief in their abilities and the concepts they’ve learned.

Ownership Through Mastery

By the end of the Hold phase, students will not only understand the material but feel a sense of ownership over it. They will have explored the topic from all perspectives, leaving them confident in their knowledge. This newfound confidence prepares them for the next phase: the Own phase.

In the Own phase, students will focus on tackling any remaining rough edges, paying particular attention to exam technique and time management. This is where their hard-earned understanding is polished and refined to ensure success in any exam environment.

What’s Next?

At Mr. Miranda Online, the Hold phase is integrated into every course. Students are guided through a progressive series of exercises that ensure comprehensive understanding without feeling overwhelmed. By the time they complete this phase, they are ready to move on with confidence.

Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll explore the Own phase and how it helps students master the finer details and prepare for exam success.