Self-Reflection - Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

What Is the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle

The Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a tool developed by Dr. Graham Gibbs in 1988 as a way to help individuals reflect on their experiences and learn from them. The cycle consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. By going through each stage of the cycle, individuals can better understand their experiences, identify what they have learned, and develop a plan for future actions.

Why Is Gibbs' Cycle of Reflection Important

The Gibbs model of reflection can be useful in various contexts, including education, healthcare, and social work. By providing a structured approach for reflection, the cycle can help individuals to understand complex situations better and make informed decisions.

6 Stages of Gibbs’ Model of Reflection

The first stage of the reflective cycle is description. This involves simply describing the experience or event that occurred. It's important to be as specific and detailed as possible in this stage, as it will help to provide context for the rest of the reflection process.

The second stage is feelings. In this stage, individuals should consider how they felt about the experience or event. It's important to be honest and open in this stage, as it can help better understand the experience's emotional impact.

The third stage is evaluation. In this stage, individuals should consider the positives and negatives of the experience or event. This can help to identify what worked well and what could have been done differently.

The fourth stage is analysis. In this stage, individuals should consider the reasons behind their feelings and evaluations. This can help identify the underlying causes of any successes or challenges.

The fifth stage is conclusion. In this stage, individuals should summarize their reflections and consider what they have learned from the experience or event. This can help to identify key takeaways and insights that can be applied to future situations.

The final stage is action plan. In this stage, individuals should develop a plan for how to use their newfound insights and learning. This can help ensure that the reflection process is not just a one-time event, but rather a continuous learning and improvement process.