Reflections
In this section I will choose a reflection model to use throughout the year and also post a reflection for any significant event during the course .
ERA model
(Jasper, 2003)
The ERA (Experience, Reflection, Action) reflective cycle is a simple yet effective model for self-introspection and improvement. The three-stage process involves first recounting the details of a specific experience or situation, then deeply analysing one's thoughts, feelings, and reactions during that experience.
Finally, the model prompts the individual to develop an action plan for how they would approach a similar situation in the future, applying the lessons and insights gained through the reflective process. By systematically working through the ERA cycle, individuals can gain valuable self-awareness and identify opportunities for growth and enhancement of their skills and decision-making abilities. (Robinson, J. 2023)
"What?" model
Driscoll, 2007
The Driscoll reflective model, also known as the Borton/Driscoll model, is a structured framework for reflective practice developed by John Driscoll in 1994. It comprises three key stages: "What?" (describing the experience), "So what?" (analyzing and evaluating the experience), and "Now what?" (determining future actions based on the insights gained).
This simple, easy-to-use model encourages a comprehensive examination of experiences, allowing individuals to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and actions in order to learn and improve their future performance. The Driscoll model is particularly popular in nursing and healthcare, where reflective practice is crucial for professional development and enhancing patient care. (Gill, A. 2024)
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
Kolb, 1984
The Kolb reflective model, also known as the "experiential learning" model, is a four-stage cyclical framework for reflective practice. The model starts with a "concrete experience", where the individual consciously encounters a situation. This is followed by "reflective observation", where the individual deeply reflects on what worked, what failed, and why. In the "abstract conceptualization" stage, the individual considers how they could have handled the situation better and seeks out theories and ideas to improve.
Finally, the "active experimentation" stage involves the individual trying out the new strategies and approaches, which then become the basis for the next concrete experience, starting the cycle again. This iterative process allows individuals to learn from their experiences and systematically enhance their skills and practice.(Brown, N. 2022)
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
Gibbs, 1988
The Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is a popular framework for structured reflection, consisting of six stages: description (describing the experience), feelings (exploring thoughts and emotions), evaluation (assessing the positives and negatives), analysis (making sense of the situation), conclusion (summarizing key learning), and action plan (identifying how to handle similar situations in the future).
This cyclical model encourages a thorough examination of experiences, allowing individuals to learn from both successful and unsuccessful situations. By addressing each stage, the Gibbs' Cycle provides a comprehensive approach to reflecting on and improving one's experiences. (The University of Edinburgh 2020)
Reflection 'I'm overwhelmed'
Experience
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The week commencing the 25th of September 2023 I started struggling with my anxiety when it came to the workload, this course is very different to everything I have done previously and it quickly got on top of me. I massaged Caron telling her I felt like I was drowning and on the Wednesday I was supposed to present a Pecha Kucha (which I have done before) but I hadn't made it and so I panicked and messaged Tina to let her know I wouldn't be able to present. She had a small meeting with me and Told me that I should not worry as things are still new and that I will get the hang of things. On the Friday I Had a call with Caron who said pretty much the same thing, that this course is new to me and I'll get the hang of it but try not to fall too far behind.
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Reflection
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During the meetings with the lecturers I managed to rationalise with what they were saying andI was glad that I could be honest with them because it made me feel secure. Reaching out in times of mental struggle helps me get an outside perspective of my challenges and help me rationalise a way out of an all or nothing situation I have created for myself.
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Action
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Moving forward I am going to try and put in the extra hours to catch up on the work I have gotten behind on, Then maybe I can present my Pecha Kucha to the class without any nerves. I also want to try to get ahead on my work if I can because I know what happens when I get behind it starts to snowball until it feels un-accomplishable and then I give up when it was perfectly achievable to begin with.
Reflection 'I quit'
Experience
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So I did what I said I was not going to do, I procrastinated all of my work until it felt like too much of a task to tackle and I decided I wanted to quit. Over the Christmas holidays I gave it much thought and even messaged my friends who are not in uni to get advice because at the end of the day I do want that degree. I made my decision to leave at the end of the Christmas break and then some Uni friends messaged me to let me know they were also struggling but they wanted me to stay because my presence helped make this experience bearable for them.
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Reflection
I had messaged Caron tell her I quit but she encouraged me to hop on a call and talk it through with her. She gave me a week to make up my mind and so I took the first week off after the holidays to make my decision and ultimately I decided to stay. Not because of any one reason but for many little ones like, this being the last year the course will run, having an old friend appear in my life again suddenly in my class out of nowhere, not wanting to miss graduation with all of my new friends and being told I am the class' ray of sunshine.
I learned that not only do I believe that fate brought me to this spot for a reason but also that the people that I consider as friends from Uni also consider me a friend and would miss my presence if I was no longer there.
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Action
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From this point on I am going to stop comparing my lack of work to others when I know I work differently from others and I take my work at a pace that works for me even if it means cramming before the deadline, it'll probably give me a lower mark because I won't have time to add everything I want to but I stop procrastinating when there is real pressure to finish my work but All I'm really striving for at this point is to pass this course and I'll give it all I am capable of giving.
References
Brown, N. (2022) Reflective model according to Kolb, Dr Nicole Brown. Available at: https://www.nicole-brown.co.uk/reflective-model-according-to-kolb/ (Accessed: 15 April 2024).
Gill, A. (2024) Driscoll model of reflection: An intuitive guide, Myassignmenthelp.co.uk. Available at: https://myassignmenthelp.co.uk/blog/driscoll-model-of-reflection/ (Accessed: 15 April 2024).
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Robinson, J. (2023) In-depth explanation of era cycle of reflection writing, Crowjack. Available at: https://crowjack.com/blog/strategy/reflection-models/era-cycle (Accessed: 19 September 2023).
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The University of Edinburgh (2020) Gibbs’ reflective cycle, The University of Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/gibbs-reflective-cycle (Accessed: 15 April 2024).
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