I Have a Student Who Loves Physics and Math, But...

I have a student who absolutely loves physics and mathematics. She actively participates in class, constantly asks insightful questions, and her curiosity often takes us beyond the syllabus. However, despite her enthusiasm and sharp intellect, she struggles with something that has become increasingly common among students today—attention span. No matter how engaging the lesson is, she inevitably falls asleep within minutes of me starting to talk.

She doesn’t do this on purpose, and I don't consider myself particularly boring. Yet, it happens anyway.

This challenge isn’t unique to her; it’s something educators worldwide are observing more frequently, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies suggest that increased screen time, disruptions to traditional learning routines, and cognitive overload have all contributed to a significant decline in students' attentiveness in the classroom. Teachers report that students now have shorter attention spans and struggle to stay engaged in conventional lesson structures.

How the GHOST BUST Framework Helps

Fortunately, the way I structure my lessons allows my student to thrive despite these challenges. The GHOST BUST Framework, which divides the learning process into smaller, actionable steps, enables her to manage her attention span effectively. While she may struggle to focus during the Grab phase—where I need to provide direct instruction for 5 to 10 minutes—she compensates during the later phases, making use of the detailed notes and structured exercises I provide.

The framework's structure accommodates different learning styles, helping students engage with material in ways that suit them best, at their own pace.

Breaking Learning Into Manageable Steps

The GHOST phase of the framework provides a structured pathway that supports gradual learning and engagement:

1. Grab: A short, engaging introduction to the concept through vidirect instruction and concise explanations. This phase is crucial but brief, ensuring students can absorb key ideas without becoming overwhelmed.
2. Hold: Reinforcement through exercises and problem-solving, allowing students to work at their own pace while applying what they’ve learned.
3. Own: A focus on exam techniques, helping students become comfortable with the content and confident in their abilities.
4. Settle: Reflection and self-confidence building, ensuring concepts are fully internalized before exam day.
5. Triumph: Putting everything into practice in real exam settings.

Each step builds upon the previous one, allowing students to take in what they can and move forward without feeling overwhelmed by large chunks of information at once.

The BUST Phase: Unlocking Hyper-Focus

Another advantage of the framework is its BUST phase, which takes learning beyond the classroom and allows students to engage in higher-order tasks that require focus and creativity. Studies show that individuals with attention deficits often experience hyper-focus on tasks they are deeply interested in, and the BUST phase leverages this strength.

1. Brainstorm: Students collaborate and explore ideas, making use of their curiosity to dive into exciting challenges.
2. Unravel: They break down real-world problems and discover practical applications of their knowledge.
3. Simplify: Concepts are refined and structured for better understanding—perfect for students who need a structured yet engaging way to reinforce their learning.
4. Teach: By explaining concepts to peers, students gain deeper insights and develop communication skills while reinforcing their understanding.

This phase empowers students like my physics-loving learner to take ownership of their studies, allowing them to channel their intense focus into creative and meaningful projects.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Attention spans may be shrinking, but with the right strategies, students can still thrive. The GHOST BUST Framework provides a structured yet flexible way to accommodate different learning preferences, allowing students to build knowledge step by step. Whether they engage fully during class time or catch up later with personalized study, they can progress at their own pace without feeling left behind.

If you’re facing similar challenges with students—or as a student yourself—exploring structured frameworks like GHOST BUST can be a game-changer.