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Gibbs Model of Reflection

 

Introduction

Developed in 1988, Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle is one of the most frequently used models of reflection. This model is commonly used in healthcare, but is increasingly being adopted by other faculties. This model encourages you to reflect upon the various stages in a set structure that builds the reflection progressively. 

 

 

Here are the six stages of the reflective model:
•    Description 
•    Feelings 
•    Evaluation 
•    Analysis 
•    Conclusion 
•    Action plan 

The circular model is based on answering key questions for each stage of the reflection. The model and key questions can be found below. 

The Experience

Gibbs’ model can be applied to reflection of any type of experience, positive or negative. However, this reflective model tends to support reflection from an everyday situation because the cyclical nature lends itself to experiences that are repeated often.  However, the model works just as well with experiences that are stand alone. The model encourages you to consider your experience systematically through a process of six stages, with key questions to answer in each stage. Examples of experiences that could be used could be:

•    Experience from placement i.e. administering medication, patient interaction
•    Interaction with a member of your team
•    Communication incident
•    Academic progress
•    Project reflection

 

Image of a note that reads Key Questions; The key questions you will need to answer for each section are a solid guide and will prompt you to consider the issues relevant for each stage of the reflection.

A post it note with questions that reads 6. Action Plan. If I had to do the same thing again, what would I do differently? How will I develop the required skills I need? How can I make sure that I can act differently next time?

 

A post it note with questions that reads 5. Conclusion. What did I learn from this situation? How could this have been a more positive situation for everyone involved? What skills do I need to develop for me to handle a situation like this better? What else could I have done?

A post it note with questions that reads 1. Description. What happened? When and where did it happen? Who was present? Why were you there? What did you do? What did other people do? What was the outcome of the situation? What did you want to happen?

Image of a circular diagram with six stages. Each stage has a circle and description. The image reads Gibbs' model of reflection. Description Explain what happened in detail. Keep this section descriptive, set the scene for your reader. Feelings Explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions to help you understand your reaction of behaviour. Evaluation Evaluate the positive and negative, be honest and balanced here. Analysis Explore the experience to explain the why. Use academic literature to support your writing. Conclusion Summarise the experience and your learning. No new information here. Action plan Detail the changes, improvements or what you will keep the same in future. Suggest realistic strategies you will use.

A post it note with questions that reads 4. Analysis. Why did things go well? Why didn’t it go well? What sense can I make of the situation? What knowledge – my own or others (for example academic literature) can help me understand the situation?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post it note with questions that reads 2. Feelings. What were you feeling during the situation? What were you feeling before and after the situation? What do you think other people were feeling about the situation? What do you think other people feel about the situation now? What were you thinking during the situation? What do you think about the situation now?

 

Image of a post it note with questions that reads 3. Evaluation. What was good and bad about the experience? What went well? What didn’t go so well? What did you and other people contribute to the situation (positively or negatively)?

References

These resources have been adapted from:     
Delves - Yates, C. (2021), Beginner's Guide to Reflective Practice in Nursing. London: Sage Publications Ltd. 

Gibbs, G. (1988), Learning by Doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Further Education Unit. Oxford Polytechnic: Oxford.     

Oxford Brookes University (no date), Using Gibbs: Example of reflective writing in a healthcare assignment. Available from: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/getmedia/a7265343-34c8-4054-b08d-3c624eb8600e/Using-Gibbs-Example-of-reflective-writing-in-a-healthcare-assignment.pdf . [Accessed 20th June , 2024.]

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This guide was last updated: Feb 14, 2025 3:31 PM