estherksilber

Hi, My name is Esther I'm also coming to the end of my Cache Level 3 Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) course and as part of my final unit I was to research theoretical perspectives in relation to reflection and share my findings on an online forum. If anyone has any further input regarding reflecting on our own practice, I would appreciate it. Thank you. From my research I have found out that there are 2 significant theories in understanding the reflective process. These are Kolb’s Learning Cycle and Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. The four stages of Kolb's learning cycle these stages of learning reflect how learners process and assimilate information: Stage 1: Concrete Experience (CE) assimilating information. - In David Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, the first stage is Concrete Experience (CE), which is when learners assimilate information. This stage is characterized by personal involvement and relying on feelings more than a systematic approach. Here are some other characteristics of the Concrete Experience stage: Open-mindedness: Learners are open-minded and adaptable to change. Reinterpretation: Learners may reinterpret existing experiences in light of new concepts. Immediate experiences: Learners may encounter new experiences or situations. Stage 2: Reflective Observation (RO) processing information. - In this stage, learners reflect on an experience from different perspectives, analyze it, and consider different interpretations. Here are some characteristics of the Reflective Observation stage: Introspection and evaluation: Learners take a step back from the experience and reflect on it. Different perspectives: Learners analyze the experience from different perspectives, noting their reactions and those of others. Patience and objectivity: Learners rely on patience, objectivity, and careful judgment. Identifying strengths and weaknesses: Learners identify the things that worked well, the challenges they faced, and the areas of performance that could potentially be improved. Stage 3: Abstract Conceptualization (AC) assimilating information. - In David Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, the third stage of learning is Abstract Conceptualization (AC), which is a stage of thinking and processing information. In this stage, learners: Reflect: Consider their experiences and perceptions Form new ideas: Use theories, logic, and ideas to understand problems and situations Apply critical thinking: Use problem-solving skills to develop new ideas Consider real-world applications: Think about how to apply their new knowledge in the real world Make connections: Find relevance in their lives to retain information AC is important because it helps learners form theories and better understand their experiences. This new understanding is then tested in the next stage of the cycle, Active Experimentation (AE). According to Kolb, learners must complete all four stages of the cycle to develop new knowledge. No single stage is effective on its own. Stage 4: Active Experimentation (AE) - Active Experimentation (AE) is the fourth stage of David Kolb's four-stage learning cycle, which describes how people learn through a spiral of experience. In this stage, learners apply new insights to the real world through experimentation and practical approaches. Here are some characteristics of the Active Experimentation stage: Learning by doing: Learners apply new insights to the real world. Experimentation: Learners experiment with changing situations and observe what happens. Practical approach: Learners are concerned with what works. Starting the cycle again: Learners can incorporate further adaptations as needed, starting the cycle again. Gibbs also has a cycle What is the difference between Gibbs reflective cycle and Kolb? Reflective Cycle Versus Kolb In what Kolb calls the Experience and Process stages, Gibbs includes discussion and peer- and self-assessment. And in the Generalization and Application stages, Gibbs suggests action plans. Both cycles essentially cover the same steps — experience, reflection, and planning here are his six steps: 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? Action plan: If it arose again, what would you do? The Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a model that helps people reflect on their experiences in a structured way. It was developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988 at Oxford Polytechnic, now Oxford Brookes University. The model is often used in healthcare, education, and management. The stages of the cycle help to slow down thought processes and prevent people from jumping to conclusions too quickly. I really like Kolb’s learning cycle and I think that is the one I would use in my reflection sheets that I will be filling out after completing tasks in my setting.