Gibbs Reflective Cycle vs. The Rolfe Model of Reflection

Attribute	Gibbs Reflective Cycle	The Rolfe Model of Reflection
Origin	Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988	Developed by Gary Rolfe in 2001
Stages	6 stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan	3 stages: What, So What, Now What
Focus	Emphasis on learning from experience and improving practice	Focus on exploring feelings and understanding the significance of experiences
Use in practice	Commonly used in healthcare and education settings	Also used in healthcare and education, but less widely known

Gibbs Reflective Cycle

The Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a popular model of reflection that is widely used in various fields, including education, healthcare, and business. Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988, this model consists of six stages that guide individuals through the process of reflecting on their experiences and learning from them.

The first stage of the Gibbs Reflective Cycle is the description of the event or experience. This involves providing a detailed account of what happened, including the context, people involved, and any relevant background information. By describing the event, individuals can gain a better understanding of the situation and identify key aspects to reflect upon.

The second stage is the feelings stage, where individuals explore their emotions and reactions to the event. This involves identifying both positive and negative feelings, as well as any underlying beliefs or assumptions that may have influenced their emotional response. By acknowledging and examining their feelings, individuals can gain insights into their personal values and motivations.

The third stage is the evaluation stage, where individuals critically analyze the event and consider its impact on themselves and others. This involves assessing the outcomes of the event, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating the effectiveness of their actions. By evaluating the event, individuals can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for future situations.

The fourth stage is the analysis stage, where individuals explore the underlying factors that contributed to the event. This involves examining the reasons behind their actions, considering alternative perspectives, and identifying any patterns or trends. By analyzing the event, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the situation and uncover valuable insights.

The fifth stage is the conclusion stage, where individuals reflect on what they have learned from the event. This involves synthesizing their thoughts and insights, drawing connections between theory and practice, and identifying key takeaways. By reaching a conclusion, individuals can consolidate their learning and apply it to future experiences.

The final stage is the action plan stage, where individuals develop a plan for how they will apply their learning in the future. This involves setting goals, outlining specific actions, and considering potential challenges or obstacles. By creating an action plan, individuals can ensure that they continue to grow and develop as reflective practitioners.

The Rolfe Model of Reflection

The Rolfe Model of Reflection, developed by Gary Rolfe in 2001, is another widely used model of reflection that consists of three simple questions: What? So what? Now what? This model is often used in healthcare settings, where reflective practice is essential for professional development and continuous improvement.

The first question, "What?" focuses on the description of the event or experience, similar to the first stage of the Gibbs Reflective Cycle. By providing a detailed account of what happened, individuals can gain a clear understanding of the situation and identify key aspects to reflect upon.

The second question, "So what?" focuses on the analysis and evaluation of the event, similar to the evaluation and analysis stages of the Gibbs Reflective Cycle. By critically examining the event and considering its impact, individuals can identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for improvement.

The third question, "Now what?" focuses on the conclusion and action plan stages of the Gibbs Reflective Cycle. By reflecting on what has been learned from the event and developing a plan for future action, individuals can ensure that they continue to grow and develop as reflective practitioners.

One key difference between the Gibbs Reflective Cycle and the Rolfe Model of Reflection is the number of stages involved. While the Gibbs Reflective Cycle consists of six stages, the Rolfe Model of Reflection simplifies the process into three key questions. This difference in complexity may appeal to individuals who prefer a more straightforward approach to reflection.

Another difference is the emphasis on emotions in the Gibbs Reflective Cycle. The feelings stage of the Gibbs model encourages individuals to explore their emotions and reactions to the event, which can provide valuable insights into their personal values and motivations. In contrast, the Rolfe Model of Reflection does not explicitly address emotions, focusing more on the analysis and evaluation of the event.

Despite these differences, both models share a common goal of promoting reflective practice and continuous learning. Whether using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle or the Rolfe Model of Reflection, individuals can benefit from taking the time to reflect on their experiences, learn from their mistakes, and develop strategies for improvement.