1st Reflective Entry Structured Reflection for Growth: A Personal Take on Reflective Model
- 2406-120483
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 10
<Alina Soare>
a. First reflective entry around theories and models of reflection
Reflection is an essential means of growth, both personally and professionally. It is the process of learning from experience, bettering our judgment, and thus enhancing our future practice. There are a number of theories and models of reflection, which can help structure the reflection process and deepen the level of reflection, leading to improvement through ongoing engagement and development. I will discuss important reflective models, their situations and situations in the learning process with the models used and consider what I will take from this learning.
Clarifying Reflection
I have clarified reflection as a purposeful consideration of experiences in order to draw some conclusion about the experience that can inform future actions. Chan and Lee (2021) describe reflection as an active, persistent, and careful consideration of knowledge, leading to learning that is meaningful. Olteanu (2017) expanded upon the idea of reflection and specifically described the continuum between reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action. At that foundational level, it was important to understand the critical thinking processes that are integral to learning, and from that depth of understanding, we can consider the regulatory nature of reflection.
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988)
Gibbs’ model is one of the best-known models with six stages:
Ø Description – What happened?
Ø Feelings – What were your feelings?
Ø Evaluation – What was good or bad?
Ø Analysis – What can you make meaning from it?
Ø Conclusion – What could you have done differently?
Ø Action Plan – What will you do next time?
This model is cyclical and provides depth and opportunity for practical application. I am drawn to this model because it delivers a structured approach which includes feelings and conceptually analysis for reflection.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (1984)
Kolb’s model provide emphasis on learning through experience and has four stages:
Concrete Experience – Doing and/or having experience in a specific situation.
Reflective Observation – Reviewing and/or reflecting on the specific experience.
Abstract Conceptualisation – Drawing conclusions and forming theories from the experience.
Active Experimentation – Applying learning in another situation.
I resonate with this model as it signifies that reflections on experiences also count to future actions and reinforces a process of continual improvement.
Application to My Learning
I worked as a part of a group project recently, and I was delayed due to a miscommunication in the group. I was then able to think on the experience using Gibbs' model as part of reflection.
Description: Our group did not meet a deadline and responded to this miscommunication due to how roles were distributed within the group indicating how involved we could be.
Feelings: I felt a sense of frustration about the situation, but I understood that I did not ask a question to clear up the situation either. I did not follow through to determine what I should be doing as part of my role.
Evaluation: The problem was really a miscommunication, but we got it resolved.
Analysis: If I had just asked the question sooner and set up expectations earlier, it could have worked out differently.
Conclusion: I need to realise that I can also ask a question sooner rather than later if there is an unclear role.
Action Plan: Next time we will have a plan to delegate the tasks at the very first meeting.
The process of thinking about this did help me realize my role in the problem and to create a tactical plan for working with groups collectively in the future.
Conclusion
Models for reflective practice provide valuable structures for converting experiences into a learning experience. The Gibbs cycle provides a holistic model, but Kolb's and Rolfe's provide alternatives. In summary, I intend on considering how to incorporate these models into my practice every day to support my own practice and growth.
Reflection is not only looking back, it is also looking forward with more awareness and intention.
A well-structured and insightful reflection. You explained the models clearly and applied Gibbs’ cycle effectively to your group experience. It’s great to see how you used the situation to identify a practical action plan for future collaboration. The connection between reflection and intentional growth came through really well.
This is a clear and thoughtful reflection that shows a strong understanding of both Gibbs’ and Kolb’s models. I really liked how you applied Gibbs’ cycle to your group experience—it showed how structured reflection can lead to real personal growth. Your point about reflection being both backward- and forward-looking is a great reminder of its value in continuous learning.
Reflection is truly an essential tool for personal and professional growth, and the models you presented are a valuable resource for understanding how we can learn from our experiences. I find it very interesting how you used both Gibbs’ and Kolb’s models to structure reflection on a group situation. It is clear that active and continuous learning is key to our improvement as professionals. The action plan you formulated is an excellent way to prevent such problems in the future, and applying reflection in a conscious and intentional way is an important step towards development. Thank you for sharing these ideas!