The Driscoll model of reflection is one of the most popular reflective models in British higher education institutions, including nursing, healthcare, social work, education, and other professional practices. This framework enables students to structure their reflective writing based on three basic but effective questions, such as What? So What? and Now What? Thus, it requires you to present a description of your experience, analyze what you have learnt from it, and how it can be applied in the future. In the following guide, you will get to know about the working of the Driscoll model of reflection, how to write a reflective essay according to it, an example of a good reflective essay, and some common mistakes to be avoided. If you require further assistance in developing your reflective essay, All Assignments Pro provides a professional Essay Writing Service for all students.
What Is Driscoll's Model of Reflection?
The Driscoll Model of Reflection is a very simplistic yet popular method of reflection that allows learners to engage critically in the process of analysis of experiences and learning from them. This model of reflection was created by John Driscoll back in 1994, but was improved in 2007 and revolves around three main questions: What? So what? and Now what? The answers to those questions allow the learner to progress from just telling the story to its analysis.
What? – Describe the Experience
Description is the first level of reflection within the Driscoll model. It answers the following questions: What happened? Where did the situation take place? When did the incident occur? Who were the people concerned? What was your position in the event? In this stage of the process, you are expected to make an objective description of the experience.
So What? – Analyse the Experience
The second step pushes you to delve into the reasons why the experience was significant to you. You think about what you were feeling and what you were thinking, how things could have been done better, what you learnt from the experience, and what the experience relates to in terms of academic theory or practical application.
Now What? – Plan Future Actions
The last step concerns the application of knowledge. You do not reflect on the past but rather on how this experience will affect your decisions in the future. This can be related to the identification of new skills that need to be acquired or how a similar situation will be approached in the future.
Why Is Driscoll's Model So Popular?
The Driscoll model of reflection was first designed for use in clinical supervision and reflective practice in healthcare. Later on, it has been widely accepted by many UK universities due to its simplicity. Contrary to complex models of reflection, for example, the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle or the Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, Driscoll's Model is very simple to understand hence very ideal for students who have not used reflective models of evaluation before.
Currently, the model is widely used in disciplines including nursing, education, social work, and teaching, among others, where students reflect on real-life situations. In case you need assistance in using the Driscoll model of reflection in your assignments, All Assignments Pro offers an Essay Writing Service for all kinds of reflective essays and models.
How Does Driscoll's Model Work in a Reflective Essay?
It is through the Driscoll framework of reflection that one can easily create the structure of a reflective essay. Rather than just explaining the experiences, the process allows a person to explain, analyse, and discuss how the experience will impact future practices. This is made possible by the use of the three processes of the model.
Stage 1 – What? (Description)
The initial phase entails the objective description of the experience. In this case, one is expected to describe the event, the time it occurred, the place it happened, the people who were present, and what your role was during the event. This phase should only be descriptive in nature, without any analysis of your behavior and feelings.
Stage 2 – So What? (Analysis)
Secondly, the second stage is the most crucial element of the Driscoll model of reflection since it exhibits critical thinking skills. Comment on how you felt about the experience, what you learned from it, and its significance. Analyze what was successful, any problems you faced, and theories/researches and standards relevant to the experience. You may also comment on what you would do differently and explain your reasoning.
Stage 3 – Now What? (Action Plan)
The last stage concentrates on future development. Describe how this experience affected your knowledge and outline the practical actions that you will undertake in future. It may be related to gaining new professional skills, communication improvement, additional training, and so forth.
In most cases, reflective essays at UK universities contain the most analytical part in the "So What?" section, which is why this part usually comprises the largest number of words in an essay. At the same time, the "What?" part must be brief, while the "Now What?" part should contain a realistic and feasible plan of action. In most cases, this structure works perfectly; however, you should always check your module handbook and marking criteria before writing an essay. If you want professional assistance with writing such reflective essays, feel free to visit All Assignments Pro and order an Essay Writing Service.
How Do You Structure a Reflective Essay Using Driscoll's Model?
By using the Driscoll reflection model, it is possible to ensure that your reflective essay will have a structured layout. You won’t be able to throw your ideas on the page at random because the model allows you to structure your writing and showcase different stages – description, critical evaluation, and development of the topic. The structure outlined below will suit reflective essays of 1,500-2,500 words.
Introduction (Around 10%)
To start, provide an introduction to the experience to be reflected upon and state the reason for its significance. Mention that the Driscoll model of reflection will be used as the theoretical tool for conducting the reflection. Provide some details about the essay’s content in the introduction. Do not analyse the experience at this stage.
What? – Description (Around 20%)
Objectively describe your experience, giving details like location, timing, your involvement in the incident, people present at that time, etc. Do not describe how you felt about the experience or how well you handled it.
So What? – Analysis (Around 50%)
This is the body of your essay and must include the most reflective part of your work. Examine your ideas, feelings, and learning process in relation to the experience, and relate the experience to any theory, professional practice, or literature that may be relevant. What went well? What did not go well? What did you learn from this experience?
Now What? – Action Plan (Around 15%)
Describe how this experience is going to affect your future performance. Elaborate on what specific measures you are going to undertake to improve yourself in terms of knowledge, skills, or behavior when faced with such an experience in the future. Your plan of action must be realistic and practical.
Conclusion (Around 5%)
Summarize what you have learned from this experience of reflecting and give a brief overview of what the key insights from the Driscoll model of reflection are. Emphasize the importance of your learning process and show how the Driscoll model of reflection helped you evaluate it.
Although such an outline is commonly used in UK universities, the precise number of words for each part may vary, depending on the assignment you are working on, your module and its criteria, etc. Always check the guidelines from your university before writing your reflective essay. If you need any help with structuring your reflective essay, try our reputable Essay Writing Service at All Assignments Pro.
What Should You Write in Each Stage of Driscoll's Model?
Students tend to be aware of the three processes involved in the Driscoll approach to reflective practice, but find it difficult to know what to include when writing their essay. With the help of some prompt questions, you can reflect effectively and ensure that each stage serves its intended function.
What? – Describe the Experience
The first step involves stating the facts about the situation without analyzing them. Some of the questions that you may ask are:
- What happened in the experience?
- Where and when did it happen?
- What was my part in this situation?
- What were the other people involved in this situation doing?
- What was the result of this experience?
These answers will provide a basis for understanding the situation before analyzing it further.
So What? – Analyse the Experience
This is the most in-depth aspect of the Driscoll model of reflection and should show critical thinking ability. Some of the questions that may be used include:
- How did the experience affect me emotionally?
- Why is this experience significant?
- What do I know now that I did not know before?
- What theories are involved in this experience?
- What went well in this experience? What would I have done differently?
- What was unexpected about the experience?
Instead of just saying how the experience made you feel, give an explanation as to why it made you feel that way.
Now What? – Plan Future Practice
The last stage deals with how to put what you have learned to use in future scenarios. Useful questions are the following:
- What would be different about the next occurrence?
- What skills or knowledge should I develop?
- How will this experience affect my future work?
- What training, reading, or feedback will help me progress?
- How will I know if I am making any improvement in such cases?
The action plan that shows personal and professional development is an indication that the reflection is successful.
With all those prompting questions answered truthfully, you will have created a good reflective essay that is balanced, analytical, and meets the requirements of UK universities. In case you have some difficulties, we at All Assignments Pro offer you our Essay Writing Service that will help you apply the Driscoll model of reflection successfully.
Can You Show an Example of Driscoll's Model Used in a Reflective Essay?
The example that follows provides an illustration of how the Driscoll framework of reflection can be used in writing a reflective essay. Although the following situation is a nursing placement experience, it can also be modified to suit other fields like teaching, social work, healthcare, education, group projects, and others.
What?
In the second year of nursing, I was assigned to check the vital signs of a patient under the guidance of my mentor. When taking the observations, I observed that the patient’s blood pressure level had dropped considerably. Although I knew that this was abnormal, I was reluctant to inform my mentor about the observation until I confirmed it myself. However, by the time I informed him about the patient’s dropping blood pressure, he had already started exhibiting other symptoms needing urgent care. Fortunately, due to the quick action of my mentor, no harm befell the patient.
So What?
This experience taught me the significance of self-confidence, communication, and clinical judgement in nursing care. Back then, I was worried about reporting the wrong information since I was not confident in myself as a student nurse. But in retrospect, the delay in communication might have been riskier for the patient than reporting a mistake. Thinking about this incident, along with the professional advice in the NMC code, I understood that the wellbeing of the patient should always come first compared to my doubts. It made me realise the importance of asking for help from my experienced colleagues and knowing that supervision is part of professional development and not something to be ashamed of.
Now What?
In case I find myself in a similar scenario in the future, I would communicate all the unexpected clinical findings right away but, at the same time, continue validating the findings with the help of my supervisor. In addition to this, I am going to build up my confidence by practising more on patient assessment and by being active in simulation sessions organized by the university. Through enhancing my communication skills and gaining trust in clinical procedures, I would be able to make decisions on time in the future.
This is an example of how the Driscoll model of reflection goes far beyond the description of the experience. Rather, it makes the student analyse his/her actions, link the learning with professional standards, and think about the possible ways for improvement in the future. In case you require help in completing your reflective essays, you can turn to All Assignments Pro that provides a reliable Essay Writing Service.
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A good reflective essay is not just about recounting an experience. You have to critically analyze your actions, apply academic theory to your learning process, and show how your experiences can influence your academic or professional life in the future. Driscoll model of reflection is a very convenient tool that will help you to find a perfect balance between all of these things, although using its three steps – "what?", "so what?" and "now what?" – may require some training and practice.
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Mark Smith
Mark Smith is a dedicated PhD scholar known for his strong academic background and passion for research and education. With years of experience in higher studies, he has developed deep expertise in his field, focusing on delivering high-quality academic insights and guidance. Mark is committed to helping students understand complex concepts through clear and structured explanations. His work reflects accuracy, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to academic excellence. As a scholar, he actively contributes to research and supports learners in achieving their academic goals. His dedication and knowledge make him a reliable name in the academic community.
