Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle is a theoretical model often used in education, healthcare, and social work to guide reflection and learning potential.
The Reflective Cycle Model was created by Graham Gibbs in 1988.
Reflection is an important process that allows individuals to analyze experiences, learn from them, and inform future actions.
Gibbs’ model provides a structured framework for reflection.
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Definitions
- Reflection is careful thought and consideration of an experience or action. It involves examining past events to gain new insights.
- Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle is a six-step model to guide the reflective process. The steps are description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.
10 Characteristics of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
- Provides a clear structure for reflection.
- Applicable across various disciplines and settings.
- Encourages a deeper level of reflection.
- Promotes learning from experiences.
- Links theory to practice.
- Develop critical thinking skills.
- Focuses on analyzing positive and negative aspects.
- Leads to informed decision-making.
- It can be done individually or as a group.
- Creates actionable outcomes for improvement.
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5 Features and Benefits of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle
- Structured framework: Provides a systematic approach to reflection.
- Holistic: Considers thoughts, feelings, and actions related to the experience.
- Versatile: Can be applied to various situations and disciplines.
- Critical analysis: Encourages deeper examination of all aspects of the experience.
- Forward-thinking: Leads to practical outcomes and improvements.
Implementation of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle in the Workplace
Gibbs’ model can be a valuable tool for reflection and learning in the workplace. Some key implementation areas include:
- Training and professional development.
- Performance reviews and goal setting.
- Project evaluation.
- Team debriefs after events or milestones.
- Analysis of critical incidents.
- Coaching and mentoring.
- Improving policies, processes, and practices.
7 Examples of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle in the Workplace
- A project manager uses it after completing a project to analyze what went well and what could be improved and create an action plan for future projects.
- A team holds a debriefing session using the cycle to provide feedback and reflect on their coordination after hosting a major conference.
- A marketing manager writes a personal reflection using the model after receiving negative feedback from a client. They analyze their approach and create a plan to improve client communications.
- After making a serious error, an employee’s manager coaches them through the cycle. They discuss the event, emotions, contributing factors, and preventative actions.
- A training program incorporates reflective assignments using Gibbs’ structure to help trainees process experiences and link theory to practice.
- After a significant company change, managers facilitate group reflections using the six steps to gather employee feedback and adjust change management strategies.
- During performance reviews, employees self-reflect on accomplishments and areas for growth using the cycle model as a guide.
Here are the key steps involved in completing Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle:
- Description – Objectively describe the experience or event you are reflecting on. Include specific facts and details like what happened, who was involved, where it occurred, and what you were doing. The description should be clear and concise.
- Feelings—Identify and describe the feelings you experienced during the event. Expressing your emotions is an essential part of reflection sessions. Consider how you reacted both physically and emotionally.
- Evaluation—Evaluate the experience and your reactions to it. Assess what went well and what didn’t. Determine what you found helpful or unhelpful in the situation.
- Analysis – Break the experience down into parts and processes. Analyze why you reacted in certain ways and what influenced your responses. Consider the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
- Conclusion – Summarize your reflections and conclude what you have learned from this analysis. What new insights have you gained? What broader connections can you make?
- Action Plan – Outline your actions moving forward based on your analysis and conclusions. Detail the specific steps you will implement to improve future experiences and responses.
Completing all six steps facilitates deep reflection, links theory to practice, and leads to informed actions. We hear this from customers who regularly use our corporate, employee, and leadership courses.
Following this structured framework helps ensure thorough, meaningful, and productive reflection.
Conclusion
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle is a valuable tool for promoting reflective practice.
The six-step model provides a structured approach for thinking critically about experiences.
Reflection using this framework can improve learning, inform decision-making, and lead to positive changes.
Implementing Gibbs’ cycle in training, team debriefs, coaching, and reviews can enhance outcomes in any workplace.
With 30+ years of training experience, I founded Oak Innovation (oakinnovation.com) in 1995. I help busy training professionals and business managers deliver better training courses in less time by giving them instant access to editable training course material. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University College Cork. I hold qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. Clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
