Gibbs Reflective Practice vs. Schon Reflective Practice

Attribute	Gibbs Reflective Practice	Schon Reflective Practice
Origin	Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988	Developed by Donald Schon in the 1980s
Focus	Structured approach with 6 stages	Emphasis on reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action
Process	Structured process involving description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan	Emphasizes the importance of reflection during action and after action
Application	Commonly used in education and healthcare settings	Applied in various fields including architecture, engineering, and management

Introduction

Reflective practice is an essential component of professional development in various fields, including education, healthcare, and business. It involves reflecting on experiences, analyzing them, and learning from them to improve future practice. Two popular models of reflective practice are Gibbs Reflective Practice and Schon Reflective Practice. While both models aim to enhance learning and professional growth, they have distinct attributes that set them apart.

Gibbs Reflective Practice

Gibbs Reflective Practice is a structured model that guides individuals through a series of stages to reflect on their experiences. The model consists of six stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. In the Description stage, individuals describe the experience they are reflecting on in detail. This includes what happened, where it happened, and who was involved. The Feelings stage involves exploring the emotions and thoughts that arose during the experience. Evaluation requires individuals to assess the positive and negative aspects of the experience, considering what went well and what could have been improved.

• Structured model with clear stages
• Encourages thorough reflection
• Focuses on emotions and thoughts
• Promotes evaluation and analysis
• Facilitates action planning for future improvement

Schon Reflective Practice

Schon Reflective Practice, on the other hand, is based on the concept of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. Reflection-in-action involves thinking on your feet during an experience, while reflection-on-action occurs after the experience when you analyze and learn from it. Schon emphasizes the importance of professional judgment and intuition in reflective practice, highlighting the role of tacit knowledge and expertise. The model encourages individuals to challenge their assumptions, explore alternative perspectives, and engage in ongoing learning and adaptation.

• Emphasizes reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action
• Focuses on professional judgment and intuition
• Encourages challenging assumptions
• Promotes ongoing learning and adaptation
• Values tacit knowledge and expertise

Comparison

While both Gibbs Reflective Practice and Schon Reflective Practice aim to enhance learning and professional growth through reflection, they differ in their approaches and emphases. Gibbs Reflective Practice provides a structured framework with clear stages that guide individuals through a systematic process of reflection. This model encourages individuals to explore their emotions, evaluate their experiences, and develop action plans for future improvement. In contrast, Schon Reflective Practice focuses on the dynamic nature of professional practice, emphasizing the importance of reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. This model values professional judgment, intuition, and tacit knowledge, encouraging individuals to challenge assumptions and engage in ongoing learning.

One key difference between the two models is the level of structure they provide. Gibbs Reflective Practice offers a step-by-step approach with defined stages, making it easier for individuals to follow and apply. This structured nature can be beneficial for those who prefer a clear framework for reflection. On the other hand, Schon Reflective Practice is more fluid and flexible, allowing for spontaneity and adaptability in the reflective process. This model may appeal to individuals who value creativity and innovation in their reflective practice.

Another distinction between Gibbs and Schon Reflective Practice is their focus on emotions and intuition. Gibbs places a strong emphasis on exploring feelings and thoughts during the reflection process, recognizing the impact of emotions on learning and decision-making. In contrast, Schon highlights the role of professional judgment and intuition in reflective practice, acknowledging the importance of tacit knowledge and expertise in professional contexts. This difference in focus reflects the unique perspectives and priorities of each model.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gibbs Reflective Practice and Schon Reflective Practice are two prominent models of reflective practice that offer distinct approaches to learning and professional development. While Gibbs provides a structured framework with clear stages for reflection, Schon emphasizes the dynamic nature of professional practice and the importance of intuition and tacit knowledge. Both models have their strengths and can be valuable tools for individuals seeking to enhance their reflective practice skills. Ultimately, the choice between Gibbs and Schon Reflective Practice may depend on individual preferences, learning styles, and professional contexts.