Gibbs Reflective Cycle | A Guide on All Six Stages & Examples

Gibbs reflective cycle is one of the most famous cyclical models commonly used in several occupations enlisted with all 6 stages.

What is Gibbs Reflective Cycle?

The famous cycle of Gibbs reflective model is a very popular model of reflection. Which allows individuals to systematically reflect upon their past experiences. Which they had been through in particular situations.

Gibbs reflective model is used very commonly. And the genius mind behind such idea was Graham Gibbs. Who in 1988 at oxford, polytechnic. Which now in contemporaries goes by the name of Oxford Brookes University. Developed the model, this cycle posts its development proved to be really helpful for people of different occupations. Like health care, education, management, psychiatrist and so many other fields. Which overall helps with individual professional growth. Along the lines of self-development on personal level. The more people came into practice of this model of reflection. The more with time it started to become imperative for professionals and practitioners. And now has become an integral part of reflective practice.

The cycle is consisted of 6 different stages. Which are essential for reflection and an individual is recommended to go through all six stages. Without missing one because while the very first stage is experience. The very last stage is action and the stages in between these two are what cascade down. From first to last and all of them hold great significance in cycle.

The Six Stages of Gibbs Reflective Model

The six different stages of Gibbs reflective cycle are:

Example Of Gibbs Reflective Cycle:

If we talk about the description. The very initial phase of the cycle which is the description. Phase one, person is encouraged to ask him or herself the question “what happened?” Which compels them into recalling the past events and their comprehension of the event with response to it.

To be more precise about the stages. Let’s keep going with the first stage as in place for example. Let’s suppose a nurse who is in practice and is a student. She is assisting a patient. If she begins with the description phase. The nurse will give an interpretation of patients condition out of the question of ‘what happened?’

Which is the description phase after having been given answer to this question with perception of ‘how the patient had reacted upon the situations.’ The cycle moves on to the next stage. Which is the “feelings” like after they reacted a certain way to a situation. ‘How did they feel about it?’ After having a perception of their feelings.

The 3rd stage comes, which is “evaluation.” Which is basically. Where a nurse would try to evaluate the idea about. What they could have done differently. And how things don’t necessarily have to end this way into patient’s brain.

Then comes the ‘analysis stage.’ Where a student nurse analyzes thoroughly the impact. Which had been left onto the patient and their wider implication of such actions. Furthermore, which impact had been left on patient.

Then it’s time for the 5th stage. Which is the conclusion, where everything that took place in the past gets noted down. By themselves to realize their mistakes and action in the past. And what to avoid to not make the same mistakes all over again and create a better tomorrow.

Which cascades it to the 6th stage of the cycle. Which is also the final stage the “Action Plan.” which is to implement the newly gained knowledge and insights about life into action for future practice.

Stages of Gibbs Reflective Cycle?

Here is an in-depth guide to how you can use Gibbs reflective cycle:

Description: The First Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

In the first stage you must take a memory trip to the past and recall the events that went fiasco. To make it easy for you to bring the events into great consideration. You can ask yourself the following questions:

‘How did this happen?’ ‘Who was there?’ ‘Where did this event take place?’

Feelings: The Second Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

Feelings the second stage is to acknowledge. ‘How did you feel like in that particular situation?’ Make sure to acknowledge both negative and positive feelings of how you felt.

Evaluation: The Third Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

Once you have acknowledged your feelings. It’s time for you to assess the both sides of the experience. The good and the bad. ‘What went well and what didn’t?’ ‘What could have been done right?’ and ‘what just went all wrong?’.

Analysis: The Fourth Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

Take a deeper dive into the context. But rationally the analysis stage is where you would use more practical approach to the events. And rationally observe the situation to summarize everything coherently.

Conclusion: The Fifth Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

Bring into knowledge and conclude. ‘What could have been done better?’ ‘Which things led to the consequences that could have been avoided?’ And learn from mistakes.

Action Plan: The Sixth Stage of The Gibbs Cycle

This is a precaution stage as you have reflected upon past events and meticulously have examined them. It’s time for you to come up with a plan in advance. In case of same situation arising again by chance and building your morals in encompassment of betterment. Out of the past events to implement in life for better future.

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Examples of Gibbs Reflective Model in Practice

Gibbs reflective model is widely used among many occupations. Because it is one of the most beneficial models of reflection. Many practitioners from different occupations master this model. The examples of Gibbs reflective model in practice are:

Advantages of Gibbs Reflective Cycle

Disadvantageous of Gibbs Reflective Cycle

Conclusion For Gibbs Model:

Gibbs reflective cycle is widely used among many institutes and works well. The perception about whether it might be beneficial or not depends upon persons approach to life and experience. The six stages are more than useful to build a better future. And not to make the same mistakes over and over.

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