How to Write a Reflective Essay Using Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

The Gibbs reflective cycle is one of the most widely used frameworks for reflective writing in UK higher education. Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988, the Gibbs reflective cycle provides a clear six-stage structure for analysing an experience and identifying learning. It is especially popular in Nursing, Social Work, Healthcare, and Education programmes where reflective practice is a core professional skill.

What Is Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle?

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle (1988) is one of the most widely used reflective models in UK higher education, particularly in Nursing, Social Work, Education, and Healthcare. Developed by Graham Gibbs, the model provides a structured framework for reflecting on an experience to extract meaning and inform future practice.

The Six Stages of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle

1. Description: What happened? Describe the event or experience objectively and factually. Do not include opinions or judgements at this stage.
2. Feelings: What were you thinking and feeling? Explore your emotional response before, during, and after the experience.
3. Evaluation: What was good and bad about the experience? Make an honest assessment of what went well and what did not.
4. Analysis: What sense can you make of the situation? Draw on relevant theory, evidence, or literature to understand why things happened the way they did.
5. Conclusion: What else could you have done? Reflect on what you could have done differently and what you have learned.
6. Action Plan: If this arose again, what would you do? Describe how you will change your practice or approach in the future based on your reflection.

How to Write a Reflective Essay Using Gibbs

A Gibbs reflective essay is structured around the six stages above. Each stage becomes a section of your essay. Write in the first person (“I felt…”, “I noticed…”, “I would…”). Link each stage to academic literature — especially in the Evaluation and Analysis stages, where you should draw on evidence-based practice, theory, or professional standards.

Example: Nursing Reflective Essay Using Gibbs

Description: During my second clinical placement, I administered medication to a patient who subsequently reported experiencing an adverse reaction. Feelings: I felt anxious and uncertain about my clinical decision-making. Evaluation: While I followed correct protocol, I had not fully consulted the patient’s medication history. Analysis: Literature suggests that thorough medicines reconciliation reduces adverse drug events (NICE, 2019). Conclusion: I should have conducted a more thorough pre-administration check. Action Plan: I will follow a standardised medication checklist on all future placements.

Key Takeaways

• Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle has six stages: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan.
• Write in the first person throughout.
• Support the Evaluation and Analysis stages with academic literature.
• Widely used in Nursing, Social Work, Education, and Healthcare assignments.

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Related Reading: Reflective Essay Using Gibbs Cycle | How to Write a Critical Analysis | Nursing Dissertation Writing | How to Write a PhD Proposal | How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

Frequently Asked Questions About Reflective Essays Using Gibbs

What are the six stages of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle?

The six stages of Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle are: Description (what happened?), Feelings (what were you thinking and feeling?), Evaluation (what was good and bad about the experience?), Analysis (what sense can you make of the situation?), Conclusion (what else could you have done?), and Action Plan (what will you do differently next time?).

How long should each stage be in a Gibbs reflective essay?

While there is no strict rule, the Analysis and Conclusion stages typically deserve the most attention — approximately 30-40% of your word count combined. The Description stage should be kept brief (10-15% of words), as its purpose is simply to contextualise the experience rather than retell it in detail.

Can I use first-person in a Gibbs reflective essay?

Yes — first-person writing is expected and appropriate in a Gibbs reflective essay. Reflection is inherently personal, so phrases like “I felt,” “I realised,” and “I would approach differently” are not only acceptable but necessary for authentic reflective writing. Always balance personal voice with academic evidence and critical insight.

What is the difference between Gibbs and Driscoll’s reflective models?

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle has six detailed stages, making it particularly useful for in-depth academic reflection. Driscoll’s Model is simpler, using just three questions: What? (description), So What? (analysis), Now What? (action). Gibbs suits longer reflective essays; Driscoll is often preferred for shorter, quicker reflections.

What academic sources should I cite in a reflective essay?

Support your analysis with evidence from academic literature, professional guidelines, and theoretical frameworks relevant to your discipline. For nursing and healthcare, cite NICE guidelines, NMC Code, and peer-reviewed journals. For education or social work, reference relevant professional standards and recent academic research to strengthen your reflective analysis.