Are there any skills you developed as a result of the experience? If so, how would you apply them in future experiences or situations? Are there areas of knowledge or particular skills you now need to develop? Is there anything you would do differently in the future?

Applying the Gibbs’ Reflective Model

‘It is not sufficient simply to have an experience in order to learn. Without reflecting upon this experience it may quickly be forgotten, or its learning potential lost. It is from the feelings and thoughts emerging from this reflection that generalisations or concepts can be generated and it is generalisations that allow new situations to be tackled effectively.’
Using this 6 step model should help to identify your strengths, areas for development and actions you can take to enhance your professional skills. Steps 1 – 3 relate to what happened during the experience and steps 4 – 6 focus on how you could improve on the experience and outcome in the future.

Step 1 – Description
This should be a brief description of the experience or event to set the scene and give context.

Step 2 – Feelings
Consider what you were thinking and how you felt before the experience.
How did you feel during the experience?
How did you feel after the experience?

This is another short descriptive step, rather than being analytical.
Description
Feeling
EvaluationAnalysis
Conclusion
Action Plan

Step 3 – Evaluation
Evaluation looks objectively at both positive and negative aspects of the experience.
Describe key elements that went particularly well.
Was there anything that did not go well or did not work?
If appropriate, you can include what others did or did not do well.

Step 4 – Analysis
Analysis attempts to explain why the experience was positive or negative and should form the largest section of your reflection. Take into account points made in the previous steps and identify any factors which helped you e.g. previous experiences, carrying out research or consulting with others. Consider your role in the experience and how you contributed to the success of this experience?
If things did not go to plan, why do you think this was e.g. lack of preparation or external factors beyond your control?
It can be useful to consider other people who were involved in the experience. Did they have similar views or reactions to you? If not, why do you think that was the case?

Step 5 – Conclusion
Focus on what you have learned.
Are there any skills you developed as a result of the experience? If so, how would you apply them in future experiences or situations?
Are there areas of knowledge or particular skills you now need to develop?
Is there anything you would do differently in the future? Try to give specific examples.

Step 6 – Action Plan
What specific actions can you now take to build on your knowledge or skills?
You could include any training that would benefit you (formal or otherwise), as well as identifying sources of information or support (people or resources).