Gibbs Model of Reflective Practice

Gibbs's model provides a framework that guides continuous improvement through self reflection. In this model, the practitioner reflects on an experience with the objective of creating an action plan to improve performance. Gibbs' model is an iterative model, meaning that we learn from repetition, whereas, Kolb's model is an experiential learning model, meaning that we learn from experience.

Using Gibbs' model, the reflection begins with a description of the experience, followed by a description of how we felt before, during and after the experience. Next, we make a judgement about the experience - what was good about it? What was negative about it? In the analytical phase, we ask questions that try to determine the causes and consequences of the events, our feelings and our judgement of the situation. At the conclusion stage, we sum up what we have learned from the experience. Finally, we make an action plan that includes what we will do to improve our knowledge and experience and how we will handle similar events in the future. This model provides a simple, easy to follow framework for reflecting on experience. If we write these reflections in a journal, we can let them go of them so that we can free our minds to focus on the present, without past, unresolved events clogging up our thinking - we can be 'mindful' and 'present' and operating in the moment.

Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Oxford: Further Education Unit, Oxford Brookes University.

Click here for to watch a short video on how to use Gibbs' model for reflective practice.