The Best Evidence-based Method For Reflection | Using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of self-reflection, especially at the start of a new year. They introduce the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, a six-step academic framework for learning from experiences. The speaker walks through each step—Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan—explaining how to use them to reflect constructively on both positive and negative experiences. By applying this method, viewers can gain deeper insights and actionable steps for personal growth and improvement in the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reflecting is crucial at the start of a new year or after any experience to learn and grow from it.
• 😀 Self-reflection helps you evaluate past actions and plan better for the future by understanding what went right and what could be improved.
• 😀 The Gibbs Reflective Cycle provides a structured framework for reflecting on experiences, helping individuals learn from them in an organized manner.
• 😀 The first step in the Gibbs Reflective Cycle is 'Description'—simply write down what happened without evaluating or explaining it.
• 😀 The second step, 'Feelings,' focuses on identifying your emotional responses to the event and acknowledging how you felt throughout the experience.
• 😀 'Evaluation' is the third step, where you assess what went well and what didn’t, ensuring honesty in the process for effective learning.
• 😀 The fourth step, 'Analysis,' delves into understanding why things happened and linking your actions to broader reasons or patterns.
• 😀 'Conclusion,' the fifth step, encourages summarizing what you’ve learned and thinking about how to handle similar situations in the future.
• 😀 The final step, 'Action Plan,' outlines the specific steps you will take next time, ensuring that you implement the lessons learned from your reflection.
• 😀 The reflective cycle encourages using 'I' statements to take personal accountability and ensure you’re focused on your own development.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of reflecting at the start of a new year?

The main purpose is to evaluate past experiences—whether positive or negative—so that you can learn from them, identify areas for improvement, and take actionable steps to enhance your future experiences.

Why is self-reflection important before setting new goals for the year?

Without reflecting on past experiences, setting goals for the new year may be in vain. Reflecting helps you understand what worked well and what didn’t, ensuring that your goals are based on a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

What framework does the speaker use for reflecting in the video?

The speaker uses the Gibbs's Reflective Cycle, an academic framework with six steps that helps structure learning from past experiences.

What does the first step, 'Description,' involve in the Gibbs's Reflective Cycle?

The 'Description' step involves simply stating what happened without evaluating or analyzing the event. It's about describing the situation, such as when, where, who was involved, and what the outcome was.

How do you reflect on feelings during the second step of the cycle?

In the 'Feelings' step, you reflect on how the situation made you feel during and after the event. This step involves identifying multiple emotional responses and acknowledging how you felt overall.

Why is honesty important in the 'Evaluation' step?

Honesty is crucial in this step because it allows for a realistic assessment of the situation. Recognizing both positive and negative aspects helps you learn from the experience and make improvements.

How does the 'Analysis' step differ from 'Evaluation' in the cycle?

While 'Evaluation' looks at what went well and what didn’t, 'Analysis' involves understanding why things happened the way they did. It's about digging deeper into the causes behind the outcomes.

What is the purpose of the 'Conclusion' step in the reflective cycle?

The 'Conclusion' step is about summarizing what was learned from the situation and considering how things could have been done differently. It sets the foundation for future improvement.

What is the role of an action plan in the reflective process?

The action plan outlines specific steps to take in future situations, whether to repeat positive outcomes or avoid negative ones. It helps ensure that lessons learned from reflection are put into practice.

How does the Gibbs's Reflective Cycle apply to both academic and personal life?

The cycle can be applied to academic contexts, such as writing reflective essays, as well as personal life. It provides a structured way to reflect on experiences and improve both professional and personal outcomes.