Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988, the reflective cycle is
based upon each stage of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. It suggests how a
full structured analysis of a situation could take place using prompt questions
at each stage.
Gibb’s reflective Cycle is a circular process which our
thoughts affect our actions, which will affect the situation we are dealing
with. The feedback through the reactions
of others involved can affect how we understand and think about the situation.
The model acknowledges personal feelings that may influence the situation and how this affects the reflection process. By building on Boud's model it breaks down the reflection into the evaluation of the event and the analysis, creating a clear link between learning from a experience and and how this learning is utilized in future practice.
Reflection is stated to Spalding to be “learning from experience,”
while Tickle suggests it is “thoughtful deliberation”. Fish and Twinn believe
it to be “systematic, critical and creative thinking about action with the
intention of understanding its roots and processes”
Gibb’s reflective model is valuable for those working in the
nursing and education professions
Stages
Description: What happened? do not make judgments or draw conclusions. describe.
Feelings: what were you reactions and feelings? do not analyse yet.
Evaluation: what was good or bad about the experience, make judgments.
Analysis: what sense can you make of the situation? bring in ideas from outside the experience to help you. were different people's experiences similar or different in important ways.
Conclusions: what can be concluded about your own specific, unique, personal situation or way of working?
Action Plan: what are you going to do differently in this situation next time? what steps are you going to take on the basis of what you have learnt?
References:
- http://www.open.edu/openlearn/education/learning-teach-becoming-reflective-practitioner/content-section-6.2
- www.cumbria.ac.uk/.../skillsatcumbria/ReflectiveCycleGibbs.pdf
- pdp.northampton.ac.uk/PG_Files/pg_reflect3.htm
- www.devon.gov.uk/reflectivepractice.pdf
- http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmp/sonet/rlos/placs/critical_reflection/models/gibbs_model.html