ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

(Department of EPPSL)

Course: Critical Thinking and Reflective Practices’’

Code: (8611)

Level: B.Ed. (1.5 Years)

Semester: Autumn, 2023

ASSIGNMENT No. 2

Q.1: How does Gibb’s cycle help for making decision? Explain your
answer with working examples?
Answer: Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is a popular model for reflection, acting
as a structured method to enable individuals to think systematically
about the experiences they had during a specific situation.
Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle is a widely used and accepted model of reflection.
Developed by Graham Gibbs in 1988 at Oxford Polytechnic, now Oxford
Brookes University, this reflective cycle framework is widely used within
various fields such as healthcare, education, and management to
enhance professional and personal development. It has since become an
integral part of reflective practice, allowing individuals to reflect on their
experiences in a structured way.
The cycle consists of six stages which must be completed in order for the
reflection to have a defined purpose. The first stage is to describe the
experience. This is followed by reflecting on the feelings felt during the
experience, identifying what knowledge was gained from it, analyzing
any decisions made in relation to it and considering how this could have
been done differently.
The final stage of the cycle is to come up with a plan for how to
approach similar experiences in future.
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle encourages individuals to consider their own
experiences in a more in-depth and analytical way, helping them to
identify how they can improve their practice in the future.
A survey from the British Journal of Midwifery found that 63% of
healthcare professionals regularly used Gibbs' Reflective Cycle as a tool
for reflection.
"Reflection is a critical component of professional nursing practice and a
strategy for learning through practice. This integrative review synthesizes
the literature on nursing students’ reflection on their clinical
experiences." – Beverly J. Bowers, RN, PhD
The Six Stages of Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
The Gibbs reflective cycle consists of six distinct stages: Description,
Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion, and Action Plan. Each stage
prompts the individual to examine their experiences through questions
designed to incite deep and critical reflection. For instance, in the
'Description' stage, one might ask: "What happened?” This questioning
method encourages a thorough understanding of both the event and
the individual's responses to it.
To illustrate, let's consider a student nurse reflecting on an interaction
with a patient. In the 'Description' stage, the student might describe the
patient's condition, their communication with the patient, and the
outcome of their interaction. Following this, they would move on to the
'Feelings' stage, where they might express how they felt during the
interaction, perhaps feeling confident, anxious, or uncertain.
The 'Evaluation' stage would involve the student reflecting on their
interaction with the patient, considering how they could have done
things differently and what went well. In the 'Analysis' stage, the student
might consider the wider implications of their actions and how this
impacted on the patient's experience.
Finally, in the 'Conclusion' stage, the student would summaries their
reflections by noting what they have learned from the experience. They
would then set an 'Action Plan' for how they will apply this newfound
knowledge in their future practice.
Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is a useful tool for nurses to utilize in order to
reflect on their past experiences and improve their practice. By
using reflective questions, nurses can actively engage in reflection and
identify areas for improvement.
Description: Start by objectively recounting the experience. Helpful
questions to ask include: What happened? Who was involved? When and
where did this occur?
Feelings: Capture your emotional response to the experience. It's
essential to acknowledge both positive and negative emotions, as they
significantly affect our interpretation of the event.
Evaluation: Assess the good and bad aspects of the experience. What
worked well, and what didn't? What were the positive impacts and
negative consequences?
Analysis: Dig deeper into understanding why things unfolded as they
did. This analysis stage is where you draw on relevant literature and
professional knowledge to interpret the experience.
Conclusion: Determine what you could have done differently and what
you've learned from the experience.
Action Plan: Develop a plan detailing what you'll do if a similar situation
arises in the future.
Examples of the Reflective Model in Practice
The Gibbs Reflective Cycle, a model of reflection, can be a
powerful tool for learning and personal development across various
vocations. Here are five fictional examples:
Teaching: A teacher, Mr. Smith, had difficulty managing his classroom.
He used the Gibbs Reflective Cycle to reflect on a particularly chaotic
day. He identified negative aspects of his classroom management
strategy and, through critical thinking, realized that he needed to set
clearer expectations for his students. He then developed a plan to
implement these changes, showing how the approach to reflection can
lead to actionable improvements.
Customer Service: Sarah, a customer service representative, received
constructive feedback from a customer who was dissatisfied with the
service. She used the Gibbs Reflective Cycle to reflect on the interaction,
identifying her feelings of disappointment and analyzing what went
wrong. She concluded that she needed to improve her problem-solving
skills and developed a plan to do so.
Management: A manager, Tom, struggled with delegating tasks to his
team. He used the Gibbs Reflective Cycle to reflect on a project that was
delayed due to his reluctance to delegate. He identified his fear of losing
control as a negative emotion and realized during the analysis stage that
trusts in his team was crucial. He then developed a plan to practice
delegation in future projects.

Q.2 what are the steps of action research? Write each step

in detail.
Answer: Action research
Action research is a strategy that tries to find realistic solutions to
organizations’ difficulties and issues. It is similar to applied research.
Action research refers basically learning by doing. First, a problem is
identified, then some actions are taken to address it, then how well the
efforts worked are measured, and if the results are not satisfactory, the
steps are applied again.
It can be put into three different groups:
 Positivist: This type of research is also called “classical action
research.” It considers research a social experiment. This research is
used to test theories in the actual world.
 Interpretive: This kind of research is called “contemporary action
research.” It thinks that business reality is socially made, and when
doing this research, it focuses on the details of local and
organizational factors.
 Critical: This action research cycle takes a critical reflection
approach to corporate systems and tries to enhance them.
Stages of action research
All research is about learning new things. Collaborative action research
contributes knowledge based on investigations in particular and
frequently useful circumstances. It starts with identifying a problem. After
that, the research process is followed by the below stages:
 Plan
 Act
 Observe
 Reflect

Stage 1: Plan
For an action research project to go well, the researcher needs to plan it
well. After coming up with an educational research topic or question
after a research study, the first step is to develop an action plan to guide
the research process. The research design aims to address the study’s
question. The research strategy outlines what to undertake, when, and
how.
Stage 2: Act
The next step is implementing the plan and gathering data. At this point,
the researcher must select how to collect and organize research data.
The researcher also needs to examine all tools and equipment before
collecting data to ensure they are relevant, valid, and comprehensive.
Stage 3: Observe
Data observation is vital to any investigation. The action researcher
needs to review the project’s goals and expectations before data
observation. This is the final step before drawing conclusions and taking
action.
Different kinds of graphs, charts, and networks can be used to represent
the data. It assists in making judgments or progressing to the next stage
of observing.
Stage 4: Reflect
This step involves applying a prospective solution and observing the
results. It’s essential to see if the possible solution found through
research can really solve the problem being studied.
The researcher must explore alternative ideas when the action research
project’s solutions fail to solve the problem.
The steps to conducting action research
Action research is a systematic approach researchers, educators, and
practitioners use to identify and address problems or challenges within a
specific context. It involves a cyclical process of planning, implementing,
reflecting, and adjusting actions based on the data collected. Here are
the general steps involved in conducting an action research process:
 Identify the action research question or problem
Clearly define the issue or problem you want to address through your
research. It should be specific, actionable, and relevant to your working
context.
 Review existing knowledge
Conduct a literature review to understand what research has already
been done on the topic. This will help you gain insights, identify gaps,
and inform your research design.
 Plan the research
Develop a research plan outlining your study’s objectives, methods, data
collection tools, and timeline. Determine the scope of your research and
the participants or stakeholders involved.
 Collect data
Implement your research plan by collecting relevant data. This can
involve various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations,
document analysis, or focus groups. Ensure that your data collection
methods align with your research objectives and allow you to gather the
necessary information.
 Analyze the data
Once you have collected the data, analyze it using appropriate
qualitative or quantitative techniques. Look for patterns, themes, or
trends in the data that can help you understand the problem better.
 Reflect on the findings
Reflect on the analyzed data and interpret the results in the context of
your research question. Consider the implications and possible solutions
that emerge from the data analysis. This reflection phase is crucial for
generating insights and understanding the underlying factors
contributing to the problem.
 Develop an action plan
Based on your analysis and reflection, develop an action plan that
outlines the steps you will take to address the identified problem. The
plan should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-
bound (SMART goals). Consider involving relevant stakeholders in
planning to ensure their buy-in and support.
 Implement the action plan
Put your action plan into practice by implementing the identified
strategies or interventions. This may involve making changes to existing
practices, introducing new approaches, or testing alternative solutions.
Document the implementation process and any modifications made
along the way.
  Evaluate and monitor progress
Continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of your actions. Collect
additional data, assess the effectiveness of the interventions, and
measure progress towards your goals. This evaluation will help you
determine if your actions have the desired effects and inform any
necessary adjustments.
 Reflect and iterate
Reflect on the outcomes of your actions and the evaluation results.
Consider what worked well, what did not, and why. Use this information
to refine your approach, make necessary adjustments, and plan for the
next cycle of action research if needed.
Remember that participatory action research is an iterative process, and
multiple cycles may be required to achieve significant improvements or
solutions to the identified problem. Each cycle builds on the insights
gained from the previous one, fostering continuous learning and
improvement.
Examples of action research
Action research initiatives are frequently situation-specific. Still, other
researchers can adapt the techniques. The example is from a researcher’s
(Franklin, 1994) report about a project encouraging nature tourism in the
Caribbean.
In 1991, this was launched to study how nature tourism may be
implemented on the four Windward Islands in the Caribbean: St. Lucia,
Grenada, Dominica, and St. Vincent.
For environmental protection, a government-led action study
determined that the consultation process needs to involve numerous
stakeholders, including commercial enterprises.
First, two researchers undertook the study and held search conferences
on each island. The search conferences resulted in suggestions and
action plans for local community nature tourism sub-projects.
Several islands formed advisory groups and launched national awareness
and community projects. Regional project meetings were held to discuss
experiences, self-evaluations, and strategies. Creating a documentary
about a local initiative helped build community. And the study was a
success, leading to a number of changes in the area.
Advantages and disadvantages of action research
Action research has both good and bad points.
Advantages
 It is very flexible, so researchers can change their analyses to fit
their needs and make individual changes.
 It offers a quick and easy way to solve problems that have been
going on for a long time instead of complicated, long-term
solutions based on complex facts.
 If It is done right, it can be very powerful because it can lead to
social change and give people the tools to make that change in
ways that are important to their communities.
Disadvantages
  These studies have a hard time being generalized and are hard to
repeat because they are so flexible. Because the researcher has the
power to draw conclusions, they are often not thought to be
theoretically sound.
 Setting up an action study in an ethical way can be hard. People
may feel like they have to take part or take part in a certain way.
 It is prone to research errors like selection bias, social desirability
bias, and other cognitive biases.
Conclusion
This post discusses how action research generates knowledge, its steps,
and real-life examples. It is very applicable to the field of research and
has a high level of relevance. We can only state that the purpose of this
research is to comprehend an issue and find a solution to it.
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survey software, and a library of insights for any long-term study. Go to
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Q.3: Spend a day in the teacher’s staff room and then

present it in the form of reflective writing.

Answer: Title: A Day in the Teacher's Staff Room: Reflective Insights
As I step into the teacher's staff room, I am immediately greeted by a
sense of camaraderie and purpose. The room buzzes with activity as
educators engage in various conversations, ranging from lesson planning
to student behavior management strategies. Throughout the day, I had
the opportunity to immerse myself in the daily lives of these dedicated
professionals, gaining valuable insights and reflections along the way.
Morning:
The morning begins with a flurry of activity as teachers trickle into the
staff room, coffee cups in hand, ready to start the day. As conversations
shift from personal anecdotes to professional matters, I am struck by the
passion and dedication that each educator brings to their work. From
discussing innovative teaching methods to sharing resources for
classroom activities, the staff room serves as a hub of collaboration and
support.
Reflection: Witnessing the genuine enthusiasm and commitment of my
colleagues reinforces the importance of fostering a positive and
collaborative work environment. By sharing ideas and best practices, we
can collectively strive for excellence in our teaching practices.
Midday:
As the morning progresses into midday, the pace in the staff room slows
down slightly as teachers take a well-deserved break from their busy
schedules. Some gather around the communal table to enjoy lunch
together, while others retreat to quiet corners to catch up on grading or
administrative tasks. Despite the varying activities, there is a palpable
sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among colleagues.
Reflection: Taking time to recharge and connect with colleagues over
lunch reinforces the importance of building strong relationships within
the school community. These informal interactions not only foster a
sense of belonging but also provide opportunities for collaboration and
peer support.
Afternoon:
As the afternoon unfolds, the staff room becomes a hive of activity once
again as teachers reconvene to discuss student progress, plan upcoming
lessons, and troubleshoot challenges encountered throughout the day.
From brainstorming differentiated instruction strategies to sharing
effective classroom management techniques, the conversations are rich
with insights and expertise.
Reflection: The afternoon discussions highlight the value of ongoing
professional development and collaboration. By engaging in reflective
dialogue and seeking feedback from peers, we can continually refine our
teaching practices and better meet the diverse needs of our students.
Conclusion:
As the day draws to a close and teachers begin to pack up their
belongings, I find myself filled with gratitude for the opportunity to
spend a day in the teacher's staff room. Through observing, listening,
and participating in the vibrant community of educators, I have gained a
deeper appreciation for the complexities and joys of teaching. Moving
forward, I am inspired to apply the insights and reflections gained from
this experience to my own professional practice, striving to create a
supportive and enriching learning environment for all students.
Q.4 Prepare a mind map with pictures, headlines and

connections to make your career?

Answer:
1. Teaching as a Career
Teaching is one of the most challenging careers a person can
pursue. Expect to work long hours in what can be a highly stressful
environment. However, teachers hold the power to influence their
students’ lives very deeply, which can be very rewarding. Whether
they’re guiding preschool play groups, designing lessons for high
schoolers, or leading college students toward new frontiers of
scientific research, teachers find great satisfaction in developing
their students’ potential. Before you start applying to teaching
programs and signing up for certification exams, you should talk to
teachers or read interviews, volunteer in a classroom and evaluate
your strengths and experiences as they pertain to teaching. A little
self-awareness and a taste of practical experience will go a long
way.
2. Why Choose Teaching?
There is no doubt that teaching is challenging. Being an educator
demands a commitment to developing creative lesson plans,
meeting the needs of students who possess different abilities,
liaising with parents, and keeping on top of credentialing
requirements. But if you ask anyone to talk about their favorite
teachers, the word “passion” will inevitably be used. Teaching is a
passion-driven career.
1. Qualifications and Training
I have passed my matriculation and fsc with science and Bs with
science subject and now I doing my b.ed for teaching
2. Job Opportunities
We touched on this a bit earlier, but it’s worth repeating. There will
always be a need for teachers. Education and how we deliver it is
constantly evolving, but job security is certain and remains one of
the excellent answers to “Why be a teacher?”
As an educator, you will also have career mobility which means you
can move out of the classroom and into areas such as
administration, counseling, or social work.
3. Vacation Time
Without a doubt, teachers work a lot of hours inside and outside
the classroom. Planning, prepping, and grading are all things that
most teachers find themselves doing long after their students have
left for the day. Teachers also enjoy 8 weeks off in the summer to
recharge, invest in continuing education or travel. And throughout
the school year, there is paid time off for holidays, spring break,
and professional development.

4. Constant Learning
Teachers are people who model life-long learning habits. Your
learning doesn’t stop once you receive your education degree.
That love of learning is why people become teachers. Most school
districts will require teachers to successfully take a certain number
of continuing education credits through the school year, and many
teachers pursue graduate degrees part-time. There is generally
tuition assistance for these pursuits.
In addition to formal learning, you will be challenged and stretched
by the very people in your classroom. You will learn how to meet
the needs of children with varying needs, and you’ll celebrate their
successes. The students that you teach will make you laugh, will
exasperate you at times, and will amaze you with their insights.
You will likely realize that they teach you as much, if not more than
you teach them.
5. Global Work Opportunities
If you possess some wanderlust and are wondering, “Is teaching a
good career?” it’s helpful to realize that being an educator can take
you all over the world. You can use your skills in settings like
standard classrooms, refugee camps, or remote schoolhouses. The
opportunities are endless because wherever there are children,
there is a need for teachers.
6. Get To Be Creative
Creativity is at the heart of teaching. Being a teacher means you
not only get to tap into your creative spirit, but you get to look to
 your students for inspiration too. They will be eager to participate
in learning where they are valued for their ideas, and you can build
lessons on that. Gone are the days when students were expected
to sit still for hours and when rote memorization was the norm.
Today’s educators have a world of information at their fingertips
and the space and technology to teach and inspire!
 Why Choose Teaching?
 Passion for Education
 Making a Difference
 Lifelong Learning
 Qualifications and Training
 Bachelor's Degree in Education
 Teacher Certification
 Continuing Education
 Specializations in Teaching
 Early Childhood Education
 Elementary Education
 Secondary Education
 Special Education
 Subject-Specific Areas
 Skills Needed
 Communication Skills
 Classroom Management
 Adaptability
  Creativity
 Patience
 Empathy
 Job Opportunities
 Public Schools
 Private Schools
 International Schools
 Online Teaching
 Tutoring
 Educational Administration
 Impact and Fulfillment
 Shaping Future Generations
 Building Relationships
 Seeing Students Succeed
 Challenges and Rewards
 Student Diversity
 Workload
 Emotional Investment
 Gratifying Experiences
 Professional Development
 Workshops and Seminars
 Continuing Education Courses
 Networking
 Research and Publications
  Teacher Well-being
 Work-Life Balance
 Self-care Practices
 Support Systems
 Mental Health Awareness
This mind map illustrates the multifaceted nature of teaching as a career,
highlighting its various aspects, opportunities, challenges, and rewards. It
emphasizes the importance of passion, qualifications, skills, and ongoing
professional development for individuals considering teaching as a
fulfilling and impactful career path.

Q.5 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of reflective

knowledge.
Answer: Advantages and Disadvantages Of Reflective Teaching
Most of us are aware of the term reflective teaching and its benefits to
teachers and students. It uses reflective teaching methods to convey,
evaluate, and deliver information to the target students. It is a
continuous cycle, mainly to strive for positive results.
However, reflective teaching gives way to improvement for both teachers
and students in more than one way.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reflective Teaching on Teachers and
Students
Teachers can use this method to improve their teaching process,
including better ways to instruct, conduct self-assessment sessions, and
focus on improvement and problem-solving. It should also focus on
developing the analytical skills of a student. Over time, the technique will
help teachers develop a critical eye for every problem.
Advantages of Reflective Teaching
1. Professional Growth
Teaching promotes personal growth, and you can know your strengths
and weaknesses. Reflective practices promote professional development.
Prepare and analyze the class sessions. Note the goals, and evaluate the
results. Start with a reflective journal and write your thoughts after every
session.
2. Give Scope for Innovation
It is not a complicated practice, rather helps an organized teacher keep
track of their lessons or the way they prepare them. After you teach a
session, assess the teaching.
Note down the positive experience and challenges that came along from
the session. Take time to work on the problems by using different
teaching methods. This is what leads to innovation, and so, both are
complementary.
3. Facilitates Ways for Teaching
The practice should ensure that the learning experience is good for every
student. Teachers should try to create an interactive learning
environment, and motivation is the key to success.
The reflecting method helps understand what interests the student and
how to change your delivery of the message to make it easy for them.
4. Boost the Student-Teacher Relationship
Teachers value their bonding with students, and it helps them
understand things better. The practice helps cultivate relationships. The
technique focuses on the individual learner, understanding their needs,
and helping them.
Use strategy to analyze performance, behavior, and needs. Students are
likely to perform better if they are in an enjoyable classroom
environment.
5. Instill Interest in Lessons
Make lessons interesting, and retain the attention of every student in a
class. Implement new reflective strategies to solve problems and liven up
every classroom session.
This encourages every student to participate in class actively. Start class
with a refresher session and review the last session. Try to do it in a fun
and engaging way to include every student. Ask questions and feedback
to understand the problem areas and improve them.
6. Make Problem Solving Easy
Experienced teachers develop ways of troubleshooting and facing
challenges effectively. The practice help teacher devises the latest
strategies and offers personalized help to struggling students.
Disadvantages of Reflective Teaching
Students and teachers often feel ill-equipped to go through the
assessment. Both new and experienced teachers can perceive it
differently.
 1. Not all teachers can under the process easily.
2. Some teachers may be uncomfortable evaluating their
performance.
3. The teaching practice is time taking.
4. The teachers confuse about which aspects to reflect on.
5. The strategies may include reasoning and thinking, which is critical
for reflective teaching.
Teachers with heavy workloads will not pay attention to these latest
techniques. However, when the teacher finds a problem addressed by a
student and doesn’t know how to resolve it, this can become challenging
for teachers. Trying any reflective technique can be time-consuming if
they aren’t aware of it from the beginning.
If teachers are convinced to introduce the practices in teaching. It will
benefit both students and teachers immensely. Set measurable
benchmarks and focus on self-reflection that depends on subjective
feelings. With better self-understanding, one can improve performance
and perception of capacity and traits.
This form of teaching is an essential concept, with the main goal of
analyzing the teaching method with reflection. It helps one become a
good teacher who can help students ensure they have their best minds
in their studies. Include the reflective techniques can benefit students in
the following ways:
1. Improve a Student’s Performance
Individual students will reflect in every class season and identify and
improve their problems betters. Students following reflective practice can
work on meta cognitive skills. A student can have a deeper
understanding of a topic, stimulate their ability, and formulate solutions
wisely.
2. Help Students Engage More in Class
If a lesson sounds dull or uninspiring, students can give feedback and
use their ideas to make a lesson interesting. They can learn difficult
topics easily as they interact in a learning process.
As they give feedback, it shows how well they are learning. So, teachers
should encourage every student group to develop ideas, raise queries
and be active in-class sessions. Try creative activity sessions to retain
students’ attention more for the classroom activities.
3. Develop Critical Thinking and Skills to Cope up
Reflective learning helps improve skills to solve problems and face
challenges wisely. Students may face difficulties when learning new
things and reflection helps improve their ability to solve the issues and
stimulate their cognitive and analytical skills.
Ask students to develop creative solutions in which they have to use the
critical thing. As they focus on troubles more, they will learn to cope with
them by maintaining calm during difficult situations.
4. Motivate a Student More
The latest learning practices should help motivate students and help
them overcome their learning problems. The teacher should improve
their relationships with students and empower them to control and
motivate them.
Motivation can help students learn successfully and perform better in
class. It is reflective learning that fosters a productive learning
environment for the good of an individual learner.
5. Impacts on Overall Effectiveness
Teachers should encourage group learning to focus on overall
effectiveness. In this, students share thoughts, process new ideas, and
encourage reflection among each other.
These practices improve assimilation, boost motivation levels, and group
tasks become interesting, engaging, and rewarding for students.

***The End***