Reflective Thinking

Some units and assignments ask you to reflect on an aspect of your learning, your life and/or your use of skills. These assignments usually also ask you to interpret these aspects of your learning through the lens of theories and research.

Reflective practice together with evidence-based practice means better decision making and thus better outcomes for clients as well as practitioners.

This complex process of reflection is enhanced when a structured, evidence-based model is used to frame the process. There are a few respected models available in the literature; among them is a model introduced by Gibbs in 1998 that is still relevant today. It may be a good starting point for your reflective thinking. Here is a diagram of the model:

Gibb's model of reflective learning

(From Williams, K., Woolliams, M., & Spiro, J. (2012). Reflective writing. Palgrave Macmillan)

For a more detailed explanation of how you can use this model open the Reflective Thinking Guide (Download pdf) below.

Tip: Remember your Educator will want to see how well you reflect on your learning, your life and/or your use of skills; how well you can interpret these reflections using theory and research; how well you make decisions about, and assessments of interventions according to the theory.