Apply Gibbs’ cycle
Use the six stages without losing analytical depth.
Reflective Models
Gibbs vs Driscoll: Which Reflective Model Should You Use?
Gibbs gives a detailed six-stage route; Driscoll gives three direct questions. The right choice is the one your brief, setting and word count actually support.
The short version
Quick answer
Gibbs is usually more useful when a brief requires a detailed reflective essay because its six stages separate description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action. Driscoll is often better for a concise reflection on one event because it uses three questions: What? So what? Now what? Follow the model specified by your module first.
On this page
In this guide
Start with the brief
Do not choose a model before checking the task
The first answer is often simple: if your module names Gibbs or Driscoll, use it. A reflective model is a scaffold, not a substitute for the assessment criteria. Check whether the task needs a long critical reflection, a short practice-based account, theory, confidentiality or a specific action plan. For support interpreting a health or placement brief, My Perfect Writing’s nursing assignment help focuses on ethical learning support while your experience and writing stay your own.
Read our separate guides to applying Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle and the Driscoll model for fuller stage guidance.
At a glance
Gibbs and Driscoll compared
| Question | Gibbs | Driscoll |
|---|---|---|
| How many stages? | Six: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, Action Plan | Three: What? So what? Now what? |
| Best fit | Longer, detailed reflections where analysis needs its own space | Shorter, focused reflections on one event or learning moment |
| Main risk | Treating six headings as a checklist without analysis | Answering the three questions too briefly or descriptively |
Neither is universally “better”. Your brief, practice context and marking criteria decide.
When Gibbs fits
Choose Gibbs when you need more analytical stages
Gibbs can be useful where a reflection needs to distinguish what happened from how you felt, what went well or poorly, why it mattered and what you will do differently. The key marks are normally won in evaluation and analysis, not by making the description longer. The University of Edinburgh’s Gibbs overview is a clear independent explanation of the cycle.
Review your reflection
Have you moved beyond description?
Marker’s Eye can help you review your own reflective draft for structure, analysis and evidence against UK marking expectations. It does not choose a model or write the reflection for you.
When Driscoll fits
Choose Driscoll when direct questions suit the task
Driscoll’s What? So what? Now what? structure can work well when you need a compact account of one event and a realistic next step. “What?” establishes only the necessary context. “So what?” is where you explain significance using experience, feedback or evidence. “Now what?” converts learning into a specific action. The University of Edinburgh’s Driscoll guide explains the three questions in more detail.
Make the decision
Model-choice checklist
- My module does not already prescribe a model.
- I know the required word count and marking criteria.
- I need the detailed stages in Gibbs, or the concise questions in Driscoll.
- I have left enough space for analysis, not just description.
- My action plan is specific and connected to the event.
- I have protected confidentiality where required.
If in doubt, ask the module tutor which framework they expect.
Why us
How My Perfect Writing supports reflective-writing students ethically
My Perfect Writing helps you understand what the brief asks, structure your own reflection and review a draft you have written. We do not invent placement experiences, write assessed reflections or replace tutor feedback.
Choose from the brief, not a trend
Guidance helps you identify whether the task already prescribes Gibbs, Driscoll or another framework.
Move beyond description
Prompts and Marker’s Eye review help you spot where your own draft recounts events but does not yet explain their significance.
Use evidence thoughtfully
You are encouraged to connect relevant theory or feedback to your own experience rather than add citations mechanically.
Build a real action plan
Planning support helps you make the Now-What stage specific, realistic and connected to what you learned.
Keep the reflection personal and yours
Your experience, judgement, confidentiality decisions and final wording remain entirely your responsibility.
Use feedback to develop your own reflection, never to replace your voice or experience.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Gibbs better than Driscoll?
Not universally. Gibbs offers more detailed stages for a longer reflection; Driscoll offers a direct three-question structure. Use the framework your brief specifies or the one that fits its purpose.
What are Driscoll’s three questions?
What? establishes the event; So what? explains why it matters; Now what? identifies what you will do or learn next.
Where is the analysis in Gibbs?
Analysis is a distinct Gibbs stage. It explains why the event mattered and can connect experience to relevant evidence, theory or professional expectations.
Can I combine reflective models?
Only if your brief permits it. Combining frameworks can blur your structure, so ask your tutor before departing from a prescribed model.
Which model is better for a short reflection?
Driscoll can suit a short, focused reflection because its three questions are direct. However, use the model specified in your brief even when it is more detailed.
Before submission
Choose the model, then strengthen your own reflection.
Use your brief to select the model and your rubric to check the draft. Marker’s Eye supports review of your own work; you remain the author.
Reflective writing must remain grounded in your own experience and judgement.