Rolfe, Freshwater, and Jasper (2001) created another reflective model. This has similarities to the Experience, Reflection and Action model (Jasper, 2013) in its simplicity, but the difference is that the related structured questions act as prompts, which enables you to reflect and articulate experiences and thoughts easier (Chang and Daly, 2015). First, you describe what happened, then explore so what—why it matters and what you learned from it. Finally, you consider now what—how you can apply your insights moving forward. This simple yet effective approach helps you gain clarity, deepen your understanding, and take action to improve in future situations.
This is illustrative of the reflective cycle that Rolfe, Freshwater, and Jasper (2001) suggest.
These suggested questions can be used to support reflection and to develop an understanding of learning and your experience.
Review the experience, including your goals, actions, successes, challenges and emotions.
What were you trying to achieve?
What steps did you take?
What went well?
What were the challenges?
What feelings do you have about the experience?
Identify key insights, lessons learned and implications for future actions.
What did it tell you?
What did you learn?
What does it suggest about your learning methods?
What does it tell you about how you approach tasks?
Plan improvements for future actions, including strategies, time management, and overall performance.
What can you do to improve your planning?
What can you do to improve your time management?
What can you do to improve overall?
What will the consequences of your action/s be?
References
Chang, E. and Daly, J. (2015) Transitions in Nursing: Preparing for Professional Practice. 4th edn. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Jasper, M. (2013) Beginning Reflective Practice (2nd edn). Hampshire: Cengage Learning.
Rolfe, G., Freshwater, D. and Jasper, M. (2001) Critical Reflection for Nursing. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
