The GHOST BUST Framework: Own – Taking Full Ownership of Learning

In previous blog posts, I introduced the GHOST BUST framework, a structured approach designed to enhance student mastery in science and mathematics. The first step, the Grab phase, focuses on capturing attention by introducing key concepts in an accessible way. The second, the Hold phase, ensures that students progressively deepen their understanding through carefully chosen exercises. Now, we move to the next crucial step: the Own phase.

Owning the Learning Process

Ownership in learning is much like ownership in everyday life. When we buy something new, whether it’s a gadget, a piece of furniture, or even a car, we only truly begin to feel like it’s ours after we’ve spent time with it. We start noticing its details—both the flaws and the features that make it valuable. Eventually, we become so familiar with it that we can predict how it will respond, and we become comfortable with it in a way that makes it feel like an extension of ourselves.

The same principle applies to learning. When you first encounter a new concept, it’s like being introduced to something unfamiliar. The Grab and Hold phases are about making that concept part of your routine, but true ownership comes later—when you know it so well that it becomes second nature.

In the context of CAIE Physics and Mathematics, owning the material means being able to approach it from all angles and distances, understanding its intricacies. The analogy of flashlights still holds: as students master more challenging exercises, they illuminate the material from every perspective, gaining a full 360-degree understanding.

The Own Phase: Thinking Like an Examiner

In this phase, students not only grasp the content but also begin to view it through the eyes of examiners. To succeed in CAIE exams, it’s not enough to just know the subject matter—you must also understand the examiners' objectives. What are they trying to assess with each question? How can you ensure your answers address those objectives effectively?

CAIE exam creators have the challenge of designing three exam sessions a year, each time testing the same core learning objectives but in different ways. While the questions themselves change, the fundamental goals remain consistent. By internalizing the material during the Own phase, students begin to recognize these patterns and gain confidence in their ability to tackle any exam question that comes their way.

The Own Phase in Action

The Own phase begins to emerge toward the end of the Hold phase as students tackle more complex exercises and past exam questions. However, it fully takes shape after the entire syllabus is covered and the focus shifts to exam preparation. This phase is where students refine their understanding, improving their exam techniques and becoming proficient in time management.

It’s during this period that students truly own the material. They can identify what each exam question is trying to assess, and they know exactly how to structure their answers to meet the expectations of the examiners.

Support and Accountability During the Own Phase

The Own phase can be incredibly empowering, but it’s also a time when students may feel the pressure of upcoming exams. During this phase, having a strong support system is crucial. Engaging with other motivated students, sharing strategies, celebrating small victories, and openly discussing concerns all help alleviate the anxiety that often comes with high-stakes exam preparation.

How Mr. Miranda Online Supports the Own Phase

At Mr. Miranda Online, we understand the importance of this phase, which is why we offer additional resources to students in our ACCESS PRO and ACCESS ULTRA tiers. After the syllabus is completed, students gain access to exam technique workshops, where they learn essential strategies for excelling in exams.

In addition to workshops, students are part of a community where they can connect with peers, share insights, and hold each other accountable. This collaborative environment ensures that students stay focused and confident as they enter this final stage of learning.

By the end of the Own phase, students have achieved a high level of mastery and are ready to face their exams with confidence. However, it’s important not to overlook the next vital step: the Settle phase.

As we approach the final stretch, it’s crucial that students take time to rest and clear their minds before exams. In my next post, I’ll explore the importance of the Settle phase, where rest and mental clarity play key roles in ensuring peak performance on exam day.