Gibbs vs. Schon

Attribute	Gibbs	Schon
Definition	Reflective cycle for learning from experience	Reflective practice for professional development
Focus	Learning from experience	Professional development
Process	Describe, Feel, Evaluate, Analyze, Conclusion, Action Plan	Reflection-in-action, Reflection-on-action
Application	Commonly used in education and healthcare	Commonly used in professional fields

Background

Both Gibbs and Schon are prominent figures in the field of education and have made significant contributions to the field. Gibbs is known for his reflective cycle, which is widely used in education to help individuals reflect on their experiences and improve their practice. Schon, on the other hand, is known for his work on reflective practice and the concept of "reflection-in-action." Both Gibbs and Schon have had a profound impact on the way educators approach teaching and learning.

Approach to Reflection

Gibbs' reflective cycle consists of six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. This structured approach helps individuals systematically reflect on their experiences and identify areas for improvement. Schon, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of reflection-in-action, which involves reflecting on one's actions in the moment and making adjustments as needed. While Gibbs' approach is more linear and structured, Schon's approach is more fluid and dynamic.

Focus on Practice

Both Gibbs and Schon place a strong emphasis on the importance of practice in learning. Gibbs' reflective cycle is designed to help individuals reflect on their practice and make improvements based on their reflections. Schon's concept of reflection-in-action also highlights the importance of practice, as it involves reflecting on one's actions in real-time and making adjustments as needed. Both Gibbs and Schon believe that practice is essential for learning and growth.

Impact on Education

Both Gibbs and Schon have had a significant impact on the field of education. Gibbs' reflective cycle is widely used in education to help educators and students reflect on their experiences and improve their practice. Schon's work on reflective practice has also had a profound impact on the way educators approach teaching and learning. Both Gibbs and Schon have helped to promote a culture of reflection and continuous improvement in education.

Application in Different Contexts

While Gibbs' reflective cycle is often used in formal educational settings, Schon's concept of reflection-in-action can be applied in a wide range of contexts. Schon's approach to reflection is particularly well-suited to professions that require quick thinking and decision-making, such as healthcare and emergency services. Gibbs' reflective cycle, on the other hand, is more structured and may be better suited to settings where a more systematic approach to reflection is needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Gibbs and Schon have made significant contributions to the field of education through their work on reflective practice. While Gibbs' reflective cycle provides a structured approach to reflection, Schon's concept of reflection-in-action emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one's actions in the moment. Both Gibbs and Schon have helped to promote a culture of reflection and continuous improvement in education, and their work continues to influence educators and students around the world.