Gibbs Reflection Theory

Gibb’s reflection theory and how the 6 stages that have helped me.

Professor Graham Gibbs published his ‘Reflective Cycle’ (Appendix 1) in his 1988 book "Learning by Doing". Gibbs’ reflective cycle is a popular model for reflection and the model includes 6 stages. It is mainly useful in helping people learn from situations that they experience frequently; but more so for situations and experiences that have been challenging. Gibbs’ (1988) reflective cycle is an effective tool to reflect after the event on ‘critical’ incidents. These events are based on learning, practical or personal areas, and impactful in a negative or positive way. Gibbs argued that it is not sufficient to just have an experience in order to learn, rather reflection upon this experience is needed. This is to insure that we do not forget what we have learned. In his opinion, the emotional response and the thinking process triggered by the reflection instigates a learning experience. He further discussed that these reflections also effectively alter our response to similar situations in the future – then we are prepared and more composed. He further stated that all learning should be reflected on and tested in new situations. We need to make the association between theory and experience by planning for the action, experiencing it and lastly reflecting upon it; and ultimately relating what happens back to the theory.

I do engage in reflective practice frequently and my workplace allows for this to take