CSFE Topic 6: Reflecting on LANTITE Results (Gibbs' Cycle)

What is reflective practice?

What is reflective practice?
A: Thinking critically about an experience to improve future performance and future practice

Why is reflective practice important for teachers?

It helps teachers identify strengths and weaknesses, improve teaching, make evidence-based decisions, adapt to students' needs, and become lifelong learners.

Who developed Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, and when?

Graham Gibbs in 1988.

Why is Gibbs' Reflective Cycle described as cyclical rather than linear?

Each reflection builds on previous experiences, helping improve future practice through continuous learning.

What are the six stages of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle?

Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan.

What is the purpose of the Description stage?

To give a factual account of what happened without analysing or including emotions.

What questions should you answer in the Description stage?

What happened? When? Who was involved? What were the results?

What is the purpose of the Feelings stage?

To reflect honestly on your thoughts and emotions before, during, and after the experience.

What is the purpose of the Evaluation stage?

To identify what went well and what did not go well.

Why is the Analysis stage the most important?

It explains why events happened, connects experiences to evidence and theory, and demonstrates critical thinking.

What should you include in the Analysis stage?

Reasons for the outcome, contributing factors, relevant theory, academic evidence, and different perspectives.

What is the purpose of the Conclusion stage?

To summarise what you learned and identify what you would do differently next time.

What is the purpose of the Action Plan stage?

To create realistic, specific steps for improving future performance.

What should an effective Action Plan include?

Clear, achievable strategies that address areas needing improvement.

Why should reflection be evidence-based?

Academic evidence supports your analysis and strengthens your conclusions instead of relying only on opinions.

For Assessment 2, how many academic sources are required?

Three academic sources, including at least one unit reading.

What is the biggest mistake students make when using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle?

Spending too much time describing the experience instead of analysing it.

Which section of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle usually earns the most marks?

Analysis.

How should you describe a weakness in a reflection?

Identify the specific skill or area needing improvement rather than labelling yourself as 'bad' at something.

What is the difference between Description and Analysis?

Description explains what happened; Analysis explains why it happened and what it means.

What is the difference between Evaluation and Analysis?

Evaluation identifies strengths and weaknesses; Analysis explains the reasons behind them.

What mindset should you have when reflecting?

A growth mindset, viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.

What makes a high-quality reflection?

It is honest, balanced, evidence-based, analytical, and focused on improvement.

What internal factors should be considered during analysis?

Knowledge, skills, assumptions, and emotions.

What external factors should be considered during analysis?

The environment, available resources, and other people's actions.

Why is considering different perspectives important during analysis?

It develops empathy and provides a more complete understanding of the experience.

Name three common mistakes when writing a reflection.

Spending too much time describing, confusing evaluation with analysis, and forgetting the action plan.

Why is reflection considered an ongoing process?

Every experience provides new learning that can improve future professional practice.

Complete the sequence: Description → _____ → Evaluation → _____ → Conclusion → _____.

Feelings → Analysis → Action Plan.