The Gibbs model of reflection is a structured process for reflection that was developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988. It is widely used in the field of education and professional practice as a way to reflect on experiences and learn from them. The model consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.
The first stage of the Gibbs model is description. This involves simply describing the experience in as much detail as possible. This includes what happened, where it happened, when it happened, and who was involved. It is important to be as objective as possible in this stage and to avoid making judgments or interpretations.
The second stage is feelings. In this stage, the focus is on the emotions that were experienced during the experience. This includes both positive and negative emotions, such as joy, frustration, satisfaction, or disappointment. It is important to identify and acknowledge these emotions, as they can often provide valuable insights into the experience.
The third stage is evaluation. In this stage, the experience is evaluated based on its strengths and weaknesses. This involves considering what went well and what could have been done differently. It is important to be objective and fair in this stage, and to avoid making judgments based on personal biases.
The fourth stage is analysis. In this stage, the experience is analyzed in more depth. This involves considering the factors that contributed to the experience and trying to understand why things happened the way they did. This stage can involve breaking the experience down into smaller parts and examining each part individually.
The fifth stage is conclusion. In this stage, the reflections from the previous stages are summarized and conclusions are drawn. This includes identifying any lessons that can be learned from the experience and considering how the experience might inform future actions.
The final stage is action plan. In this stage, a plan is developed for how the lessons learned from the experience can be applied in the future. This might involve making changes to the way things are done or setting goals for improvement.
Overall, the Gibbs model of reflection is a useful tool for reflecting on experiences and learning from them. It provides a structured and systematic approach that helps to ensure that all relevant aspects of the experience are considered. By going through each of the six stages, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the experience and develop strategies for improvement in the future.