Gibbs Reflective Cycle vs. Schon's Reflective Cycle

Attribute	Gibbs Reflective Cycle	Schon's Reflective Cycle
Origin	Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988	Developed by Donald Schon in 1983
Number of stages	6 stages	2 stages
Focus	Structured reflection on experiences	Reflection on action and reflection in action
Application	Commonly used in healthcare and education	Commonly used in professional practice and design

Introduction

Reflective practice is an essential component of professional development in various fields, including education, healthcare, and business. Two popular models for reflective practice are the Gibbs Reflective Cycle and Schon's Reflective Cycle. While both models aim to facilitate reflection and learning from experiences, they have distinct attributes that make them unique. In this article, we will compare the key features of Gibbs Reflective Cycle and Schon's Reflective Cycle to help individuals understand the differences between the two models.

Gibbs Reflective Cycle

The Gibbs Reflective Cycle, developed by Graham Gibbs, is a structured model that guides individuals through the process of reflection. The cycle consists of six stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. In the Description stage, individuals describe the event or experience they are reflecting on in detail. This stage helps individuals to recall the specific details of the experience and set the context for reflection.

Next, in the Feelings stage, individuals explore their emotions and reactions to the experience. This stage encourages individuals to identify and acknowledge their feelings, whether positive or negative, and understand how these emotions may have influenced their actions or decisions. The Evaluation stage involves individuals assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the experience. This stage helps individuals to critically evaluate their performance and identify areas for improvement.

In the Analysis stage, individuals delve deeper into the experience by examining the underlying factors that contributed to the outcome. This stage encourages individuals to analyze the situation from different perspectives and consider the implications of their actions. The Conclusion stage involves individuals reflecting on what they have learned from the experience. This stage helps individuals to draw meaningful insights and lessons that can be applied to future situations.

Finally, in the Action Plan stage, individuals develop a plan of action based on their reflections. This stage helps individuals to set goals for improvement and implement changes in their practice. The Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a comprehensive model that guides individuals through a systematic process of reflection, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and enhance their professional practice.

Schon's Reflective Cycle

Schon's Reflective Cycle, developed by Donald Schon, is another popular model for reflective practice. Schon's model is based on the concept of "reflection-in-action" and "reflection-on-action," emphasizing the importance of reflecting on experiences in real-time as well as after the fact. Schon's Reflective Cycle consists of two main components: Reflection-in-Action and Reflection-on-Action.

Reflection-in-Action refers to the process of reflecting on experiences while they are happening. This component encourages individuals to be mindful of their actions and decisions in the moment, allowing them to make adjustments and improvements as they go. Reflection-on-Action, on the other hand, involves reflecting on past experiences after they have occurred. This component enables individuals to analyze their actions and decisions in retrospect, identifying patterns and insights that can inform future practice.

Schon's Reflective Cycle is characterized by its emphasis on the dynamic nature of reflection and the integration of reflection into everyday practice. The model encourages individuals to engage in continuous reflection and learning, fostering a culture of self-improvement and professional growth. By combining both reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action, Schon's Reflective Cycle offers a holistic approach to reflective practice that can enhance individuals' ability to learn from their experiences and adapt their practice accordingly.

Comparison

While both Gibbs Reflective Cycle and Schon's Reflective Cycle aim to facilitate reflection and learning from experiences, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. One key difference between the two models is their structure. The Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a linear model with six sequential stages, guiding individuals through a systematic process of reflection. In contrast, Schon's Reflective Cycle is a more fluid and dynamic model that emphasizes the ongoing nature of reflection and the integration of reflection into everyday practice.

Another difference between the two models is their focus. The Gibbs Reflective Cycle places a strong emphasis on analyzing and evaluating past experiences to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement. In contrast, Schon's Reflective Cycle focuses on the process of reflection itself, encouraging individuals to engage in reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action to enhance their learning and professional practice.

Additionally, the Gibbs Reflective Cycle is more prescriptive in nature, providing individuals with a clear framework for reflection and guiding them through each stage of the process. In contrast, Schon's Reflective Cycle is more open-ended and flexible, allowing individuals to adapt the model to their own needs and preferences. This flexibility can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a more personalized approach to reflection.

Overall, both Gibbs Reflective Cycle and Schon's Reflective Cycle are valuable models for reflective practice that can help individuals enhance their learning and professional development. While the Gibbs Reflective Cycle offers a structured and systematic approach to reflection, Schon's Reflective Cycle provides a more dynamic and flexible framework that emphasizes the ongoing nature of reflection. By understanding the key attributes of each model, individuals can choose the model that best suits their needs and preferences for reflective practice.