Using Gibbs Reflective Cycle Model for Reflective Practice & Reflection

Gibbs Cycle Reflective Practice: A Complete and Extensive Guide

Reflective practice has become one of the most important tools for personal growth, professional learning, and academic development. It allows individuals to learn from their experiences, both positive and negative, by critically examining what happened, how they responded, and what they can improve for the future.

Among all the models of reflection, the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, developed by Professor Graham Gibbs in 1988, is perhaps the most widely used in universities, professional training, and clinical practice. The cycle consists of six stages that guide learners step by step through the process of reflection—from description to evaluation, analysis, and an action plan for future improvement.

At IvyResearchWriters.com, we help students and professionals apply Gibbs’ cycle and other reflective frameworks to essays, research papers, dissertations, and portfolios. In this guide, we’ll cover the origins, six stages, examples, and applications of Gibbs, as well as its relevance in nursing practice, education, and professional development.

Reflective Cycle: An Overview

A reflective cycle is a structured method for thinking about past events. Instead of recalling experiences casually, a reflective cycle asks you to regularly review what happened, analyze it systematically, and identify learning opportunities.

• It encourages reflection in the following stages: describing the experience, analyzing feelings, evaluating outcomes, and planning next steps.
• It ensures reflection isn’t vague but instead is a structured reflection with a focus on future practice.
• It can be used in nursing practice, education, business leadership, or clinical practice to build personal and professional growth.

Example: A teacher reflecting on a poorly received lesson can use a reflective cycle to pinpoint why students disengaged, analyze their communication approach, and develop strategies to improve teaching methods.

Gibbs: Background and Development

Professor Graham Gibbs, an influential educational researcher, introduced his model of reflection in 1988 in his work Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Gibbs emphasized that learning from experience is not automatic; instead, it requires structured questioning, critical reflection, and deliberate practice.

• The Gibbs model of reflection was developed in 1988 as part of his contribution to higher education teaching.
• It was created to help students use reflection as a structured learning tool.
• Gibbs believed that reflection bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering valuable lessons from lived experiences.

Today, the Gibbs cycle is widely applied across universities and various professions and industries, from clinical nursing practice to corporate leadership development.

Gibbs Reflective Cycle: Definition

The Gibbs reflective cycle is a theoretical model of reflection that provides a practical, step-by-step framework for analyzing experiences. It consists of six stages, moving the learner through a full cycle of reflection.

This approach to reflection is particularly effective for:

• Identifying areas for improvement.
• Developing communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• Encouraging personal and professional development.
• Guiding future actions with an evidence-based action plan.

Reflective Model: Why Gibbs Stands Out

There are many reflective models available—including Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, Driscoll’s model, and Atkins and Murphy—but Gibbs’ framework remains the most widely used.

Why?

• It is practical and easy to follow.
• It is structured reflection with six clear stages.
• It prompts not just description, but evaluation, analysis, and planning.
• It’s adaptable across nursing, education, psychology, and business practice.

The Gibbs cycle reflective practice model is therefore not only an academic tool but also a strategy for professional development and lifelong learning.

Six Stages of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

The six stages of Gibbs’ reflective cycle provide a clear path for reflection:

1. Description – What happened? Describe the situation factually, without judgment.
   Example: “During clinical practice, I was involved in a patient handover where I omitted allergy information.”
2. Feelings (Emotional response) – What were you thinking and feeling at the time?
   Example: “I felt anxious, rushed, and defensive when questioned.”
3. Evaluation – What went well and what were the negative aspects?
   Example: “The handover was otherwise efficient, but the omission could have caused serious harm.”
4. Analysis stage – Why did things happen this way? Link to theories or models.
   Example: “Cognitive load theory explains the omission, as multitasking under pressure limited memory recall.”
5. Conclusion – What else could have been done differently?
   Example: “I could have used a structured SBAR checklist to avoid missing information.”
6. Action plan stage – What strategies will you plan to implement in future situations?
   Example: “I will adopt checklists in all future handovers and review each case with a mentor.”

The Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ encourages individuals to move through each stage of the cycle, transforming reflection into future practice improvements.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and Gibbs

While Gibbs’ reflective cycle focuses on structured steps, Kolb’s experiential learning cycle emphasizes the role of experience in learning methods.

• Kolb’s experiential learning cycle has four stages: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation.
• Both models highlight learning from experience, but Kolb is more theoretical, while Gibbs is more practical.
• Many students and professionals use Gibbs in combination with Kolb to balance theory and structured reflection.

Example: A business leader may reflect on a negotiation using Gibbs, but also apply Kolb’s experiential learning to design and test new communication strategies.

Reflective Practice: Applying Gibbs in Real Life

Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ is about integrating reflection into everyday professional activities. Using Gibbs’ reflective cycle strengthens reflective practice by ensuring each reflection is comprehensive.

• Nursing practice: Students and nurses reflect on their clinical experiences to improve patient care and inform future actions.
• Education: Teachers regularly review their lessons, identifying what went well and developing strategies for areas of improvement.
• Business and management: Professionals use Gibbs to reflect on decision-making, leadership, and communication skills, leading to better outcomes.

Case Example in Nursing:

• A nurse reflects on a medication error.
• Evaluation stage: Identifies both the negative aspects (error risk) and positives (colleagues supported recovery).
• Action plan stage: Implements a double-check system with a mentor.

This transforms a negative experience into valuable insights for personal and professional growth.

Reflection: Emotional Response and Emotional Intelligence

One of the strengths of Gibbs’ cycle is that it requires reflecting on emotional response. Unlike purely cognitive models, Gibbs acknowledges that emotions shape decision-making and outcomes.

• Emotional intelligence is developed by examining feelings critically.
• Recognizing emotions during reflection helps learners make better future decisions.
• It also strengthens communication skills and empathy, essential in clinical practice and education.

Action Plan and Evaluation in Gibbs’ Cycle

The evaluation stage and the action plan stage of Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ are the most transformative parts of Gibbs’ cycle.

• Evaluation stage: Forces learners to assess what went well and what could have been done differently.
• Action plan stage: Ensures reflection leads to future actions, future outcomes, and future practice.

This combination turns reflection into real learning and development instead of simply revisiting the past.

Graham Gibbs: Legacy and Influence

Professor Graham Gibbs designed his model of reflection to act as a guide to teaching and learning. His influence on higher education and professional training remains significant.

• His model offers a structured approach, using the Gibbs reflective cycle for students and practitioners.
• It has shaped how universities teach reflection in nursing, business, and education.
• It emphasizes insightful reflection, bridging theories or models with real-world practice.

Learning Cycle: Continuous Growth

The Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ acts as a learning cycle that promotes personal and professional development.

• Each stage of the cycle offers new learning opportunities.
• Learners extract valuable lessons from what they’ve learned from the experience.
• The cycle leads to future practice that is more effective, structured, and informed by theory.

Summary: Why Gibbs Cycle Reflective Practice Matters

The Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ is a structured model of reflection that provides learners and professionals with the tools to:

• Analyze their experiences in detail.
• Identify areas for improvement.
• Build personal growth and professional development.
• Develop practical strategies for future situations.
• Strengthen decision-making, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.

At IvyResearchWriters.com, we help students and professionals apply Gibbs’ reflective cycle in academic papers, research projects, and professional portfolios. Our experts ensure your work demonstrates critical reflection, insightful evaluation, and practical action planning—meeting the highest standards of graduate and postgraduate education.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Gibbs Cycle of Reflective Practice?

The Gibbs cycle of reflective practice is a reflective process developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988. It is a model of reflection consisting of six stages—description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan.

• This process of reflection encourages individuals to learn from our experiences, noting both positive outcomes and the negative aspects of the situation.
• The reflective cycle offers a structured approach so learners can develop a more nuanced understanding of what happened.
• The ultimate purpose is to inform your future actions and help professionals improve their practice in nursing, education, or business.

At IvyResearchWriters.com, we guide students to apply Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ properly in essays and dissertations, ensuring their work demonstrates critical reflection and real learning opportunities.

How to Write a Reflection Using Gibbs Cycle?

Writing a reflection with Gibbs cycle reflective practice​ requires moving step-by-step through its six stages.

1. Description – What happened? Who was involved in the situation?
2. Feelings – What was your emotional response?
3. Evaluation – What went well, and what were the negative aspects of the situation?
4. Analysis – Why did this happen? Could it have been done differently?
5. Conclusion – What have you learned?
6. Action Plan – How will you use the insights gained to inform your future actions?

• This reflection process works as a guide to teaching and learning because it moves from past experience to future practice.
• Many students in nursing or social sciences also plan with a mentor in the later stages to strengthen their reflection into their daily routines.

What are the 5 R’s of Reflective Practice?

The 5 R’s of reflective practice provide another structured approach to reflection, often used alongside Gibbs’ cycle. They are:

• Reporting – recalling what happened.
• Responding – identifying your emotional response.
• Relating – linking the experience to theories or models.
• Reasoning – engaging in critical reflection about why it occurred.
• Reconstructing – deciding how to inform your future actions.

This framework aligns with Gibbs’ reflective process, as it also encourages learners to use to guide their professional growth and identify areas for improvement.

What are the 4 Phases of the Reflective Cycle of Teaching?

In teaching contexts, reflection is sometimes simplified into four phases that mirror the Gibbs cycle:

1. Experience – The classroom event or activity.
2. Reflection – Looking back at what happened, including negative aspects.
3. Learning – Identifying what you’ve learned from the experience.
4. Action – Using the insights gained to develop strategies and inform your future actions.

• This shortened model is especially useful within nursing education and teacher training, where learners must quickly reflect and improve their practice.
• It works hand-in-hand with Gibbs’ six stages by condensing the reflection process into broader categories while still emphasizing growth and personal and professional development.

At IvyResearchWriters.com, we help students and teachers integrate both the five R’s and the four phases with Gibbs’ reflective cycle, so their writing shows both theoretical understanding and practical application.