Reflective Cycle of Gibbs

In 1988, Graham Gibbs, the model of the American Socio-Psychologist's reflective cycle, was
published in his book Learning by Doing. The Gibbs reflection cycle encourages a clear
description of the situation, an analysis of emotions, an assessment of the experience, analysis
to rationalize the experience, conclusions where other options are taken into account, and
reflection on the experience to examine what should be done if the situation arises again. It
becomes clear that the reflective cycle of Gibbs is structured in phases and sections. The Gibbs
Reflective Circle provides an opportunity to examine an experience or situation more accurately
while helping to create knowledge about personal behaviors, actions and reactions. Finally,
through the reflexive cycle, the individual can come into contact with emotions he did not know
and planned a future action plan (Gibbs, 1988).

The Gibbs reflection cycle begins with the concept of description and goes on to list emotions,
evaluate, analyze, draw conclusions and come up with an action plan. (Gibbs, 1988).

1. Description

At this stage, a more detailed description of the incident/experience is given. No conclusions

are drawn. The focus is on recording what goes up, how, when, where, with whom else, what
reactions there were and so on. By recording it, one can create a background for a deeper
understanding of the experience.

2. Emotions

In this phase, the emotions created during the event/experience are recorded. The appropriate
questions that need to be answered are how did I feel, how did I feel with the experience, how
did I feel before and how, after the experience? How did those who were with me feel?

3. Evaluation

At this stage, what happened is evaluated, as objectively as possible. What is recorded, and
what did not happen, what were the damaging elements and what were the positive elements
of the situation? How did the person contribute to the whole process?

4. Analysis
Here are the thoughts and assumptions about what could be done to avoid the situation or to
improve the situation. Usually, improvements are provided here based on previous experience.

5. Conclusions

At this stage, conclusions are drawn about the experience/situation. It examines what could
have been done differently in this situation. Conclusions are also drawn as to which skills would
be useful in managing the event in the future.

6. Action Plan

Finally, at this final stage, a future action plan is drawn upon how the individual will handle a
similar situation in the future. Action plans for cultivating skills can also be mentioned, which
will help to better deal with the event in the future.

The Gibbs (1988) reflective cycle model has been and can be used in a variety of situations and
by people at different levels (academic, professional, etc.), as it is effective in analyzing and
evaluating experience. Finally, through the Gibbs reflective cycle, the individual improves and
understands through practical learning.

Βιβλιογραφία
Gibbs, G., 1988. Learning By Doing, a Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Further
Education Unit Oxford Polytechnic.