Gibbs Model of Reflection is a widely used framework for reflective learning which involves examining an experience or situation to gain a deeper understanding and improve future practice. Developed by Graham Gibbs, a British psychologist, and professor, the model consists of six stages that guide learners through reflection on their experiences.
This article will explore the Gibbs Model of Reflection in detail, explaining each stage and providing examples of how it can be applied to various contexts. By understanding this powerful tool for learning and growth, readers will be better equipped to reflect on their experiences and make meaningful improvements in their personal and professional lives.
What is Gibbs?s reflective cycle?
Gibbs?s reflective cycle is a model of reflection used in various professional fields, including education, healthcare, and social work. It was developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988 and has since become a popular tool for helping professionals analyze their experiences and improve their practice. The cycle consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.
Gibbs model stages
Gibbs model stages is a widely used framework that serves as a guide for reflective thinking and learning. The Gibbs model offers a six-step process that allows individuals to reflect on their experiences, learn from them, and improve their future performance. Each step in the Gibbs model is designed to help individuals explore their thoughts and feelings about an experience and gain insight into how they can improve.
Description
This stage involves recalling what happened during the experience. This step requires individuals to provide a detailed account of the event or situation they are reflecting on. It involves taking a critical look at the situation or event and describing it in detail. This includes identifying what happened, where and when, who was involved, and other relevant details.
Feelings
This stage involves exploring one?s emotions related to the experience. This step encourages individuals to identify their feelings and why they arose during the event. Individuals must evaluate their emotional responses to understand better why they felt a certain way at that moment. This stage also helps explore how these emotions influenced our actions during the experience.
Evaluation
This is where individuals assess their experiences based on positive and negative aspects. It entails analyzing how we performed or behaved during an event. Did we meet our expectations? What did we do well, and what could we have done differently?
Analysis
In this stage of Gibbs Model Stages, one delves deeper into their reflection to assess what better understand themselves and their behaviors by reviewing and breaking down each aspect of the situation to understand better its root causes. This is an essential step as it allows for identifying patterns that may have contributed to successful or unsuccessful outcomes.
Conclusion
The conclusion stage enables individuals to draw meaningful conclusions by examining their experiences. During this phase, they can identify their strengths and weaknesses based on their learning. This helps them to determine how they can use these skills in future situations or improve on areas that require more attention.
Action plan
In the action plan stage, individuals identify what they would do differently if a similar situation occurred again. It needs to be more than just reflecting on past experiences; individuals must take actionable steps toward growth and improvement. This stage involves creating specific goals and outlining the necessary steps.
Examples of how the Gibbs model can be used
The Gibbs reflective cycle 1988 model is used in healthcare professions to aid in reflective practice and decision-making. The model comprises six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. Here are some examples of how the Gibbs model can be used.
Nurses can use the Gibbs model to reflect on their experiences with patients and improve their clinical skills. Describing an encounter with a patient, reflecting on their emotions during that time, and evaluating it based on what went well or could have been done differently helps them learn from their mistakes.
For instance, if a patient is not satisfied with a particular medication given to them by the nurse, instead of getting defensive when approached about this issue later on, reflecting using the Gibbs model will help find out what went wrong and why.
Moreover, educators use Gibbs? reflective models in nursing to help students develop critical thinking skills. By reflecting on their learning experiences using this model, students can recognize what went well or wrong during a particular task or assignment.
Benefits of using Gibbs model of reflection
The Gibbs model encourages people to think critically about their experiences. It provides a structured approach to reflecting on one?s actions, thoughts, and feelings, allowing individuals to understand themselves and their behavior better. Using this model, people can identify areas needing improvement or further development
Gibbs? model promotes self-awareness. Reflecting on one?s experiences helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and reactions in different situations
Using the Gibbs Model of Reflection can help people become better learners by promoting self-awareness and critical thinking skills
Using this model promotes continuous learning
Using Gibbs?s model of reflection can improve communication skills as it allows for constructive feedback between peers or colleagues
By reflecting on past experiences using the Gibbs model, individuals can implement changes in their future behaviors based on what they have learned from previous mistakes or successes.
Possible drawbacks or limitations to the Gibbs model
Like any other model or tool, the Gibbs reflective model has certain drawbacks or limitations that must be considered.
One of the potential limitations of the Gibbs model is its linear approach. The sequential stages in the process may not always apply to every situation or experience. Some experiences may require more emphasis on one stage than another, making following a strict sequence difficult
One potential limitation of the Gibbs reflective model in nursing is that it may oversimplify complex situations. The six stages of the model can make it challenging for individuals to explore and understand the nuances of their experiences fully. Additionally, because each stage builds on previous ones, if one stage is not fully explored or understood, it can impact the entire reflection process negatively
Some nurses may struggle with identifying specific emotions or feelings associated with an experience to progress through the stages effectively
The Gibbs model is that it may not be suitable for everyone. This is because some individuals may find the six-step process too complex or confusing, hindering their ability to reflect effectively. Additionally, others may feel uncomfortable sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings due to personal biases or blind spots
Another potential drawback of using this framework is that it can be time-consuming. The six-step process requires significant time and effort, which may be difficult for busy professionals with limited free time or those who struggle with procrastination
Gibbs?s model heavily relies on self-reflection. For some individuals, self-reflection may be difficult or uncomfortable
Difference between Gibbs?s and Johns?s reflective models
Regarding reflective practice in healthcare, two prominent models are the Gibbs Reflective Cycle and the Johns Model of Structured Reflection. While both models aim to encourage critical thinking and self-awareness, the two approaches have several key differences.
The focus of each model differs slightly. Gibbs? model emphasizes evaluating and analyzing experiences more than John?s model. Including an action plan stage also means that Gibbs? Model focuses heavily on taking practical steps to change behavior or improve future outcomes based on reflections made
Another major difference between these two models is their origins
In the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, an individual reflects on a specific event or situation by describing what happened, expressing their feelings about it, and evaluating both the positive and negative aspects of the experience. They then analyze these aspects in depth before concluding and identifying potential actions they can take. On the other hand, the Johns Model of Structured Reflection is based on five questions: What? So what? Now what? What if? And finally, Theoretical perspective.
Gibbs? reflective model consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. The model is a cyclic process that allows individuals to examine their experiences from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of the situation. In contrast, Johns? model comprises four stages ? return to the experience with a new perspective, attending to feelings triggered by the experience at the time it occurred and subsequently reflecting on these feelings; re-evaluating the experience by analyzing what was learned from it and exploring how this knowledge can be applied in future situations; planning for future actions based on what has been learned.
Bottom line
The Gibbs Model of Reflection is an excellent tool for individuals who seek to reflect on their experiences and learn from them. The model?s six-step reflection process enables one to gain a deeper understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies for improvement.
By reflecting on past experiences, individuals can make better decisions in future situations, leading to personal growth and professional development. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals incorporate the Gibbs Model of Reflection into their daily routine as it will help them become more self-aware and reflective practitioners. So why not try out this effective model today?
