The Rolfe’s Reflective Model is a simple yet feasible way of reflecting on experiences. It was developed by Professor Gary Rolfe, Dawn Freshwater, and Melanie Jasper in their book on self-reflection practice in 2001. It is similar to Driscoll’s model of reflection as it also contains the three stages - What? So What? Now What? The difference between the two models lies in the depth covered by their questions.
The Driscoll model delves deeper into the experience and is more specific. While the Rolfe’s model gives a general overview of the situation. It is especially used in healthcare. The focus of Rolfe's Reflective Model is on learning and guiding future actions in a similar situation.
The lucidity and the simplicity of the Rolfe Model of Reflection are the strengths of this model. The significance of the three questions lies in their ability to be effective and concise.
These stages are the stepping stones to learn valuable lessons through a structured approach of reflection. In the next section, we will delve deeper into these three questions to understand their role in self-reflection practice.
In the first stage, you focus on describing the facts and details of the situation. You are setting the scene for further assessment. You need to view the situation objectively.
The questions that are asked:
All these questions point to the single fact that you are stating the facts of the events unbiasedly.
After this stage, you are now ready to come to the next stage.
The next step is the real stage of reflection and drawing lessons. Here, after assimilating every detail together, you begin to analyse your reactions, emotional state, and the implicit details.
Ask Yourself:
After answering these questions, you get to understand the potential significance of the event or occurrence. That will help you realise your shortcomings and point towards the lessons learned.
The last stage is the time to transform all the lessons into a source of future action. Now that you understand the learnings, you focus on what you can do better in the future.
Answer these questions:
This is the stage where learnings become the seeds of growth. You know what skills you lack and how you can develop them. The future actions are planned here.
The reflective practice framework is a widely used method in various fields, like nursing, healthcare, etc. By using the Rolfe reflective cycle, you get to leverage some crucial benefits. They are:
This model is especially used by students and professionals who are new to this reflective writing and are learning. It gives them the perfect start to hone their skills in reflective writing essays.
Many fields or academic disciplines widely use the Rolfe model stages to form their reflective practice framework.
There are more such applications of Rolfe model, like performing arts, hospitality, customer service, etc. You can apply it to any field to enhance understanding and for continuous improvement.
Let us now compare it with other popular models to understand the differences and similarities.
| Rolfe’s Model | Driscoll’s Model | Gibbs’ Model |
|---|---|---|
| It has three stages: What? So What? Now What? It gives a general overview of the situation and is open-ended. | It also has the same structure as the Rolfe model with three stages. But it is more detailed with guiding questions for each stage. | It has six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. |
| It is more practical and used across many professions, like healthcare, education, etc. | It is especially used in nursing as it is quite popular there. | It is a bit detailed as compared to the other two models. |
| The focus is on learning and action. | The focus is on critical thinking and self-development. | It focuses more on exploring emotions and structured learning. |
Comparing Rolfe’s model to Gibbs’ model, we understand that Rolfe’s model is good for a fast-paced environment like healthcare. Similarly, Driscoll’s reflective framework is best suited for nursing.
As with any other model, Rolfe’s reflective model also has limitations. They are mentioned below.
Even after these limitations, it is still the most practical and adaptable reflection model available out there. Its simplicity makes it easier for students in professional settings to learn from their experiences.
Are you struggling to properly use in-text citations or full references for Rolfe’s reflective model? Then we have got you covered. Look at the examples below to understand how to use them.
Below, we have included some examples for you featuring APA, Vancouver and Harvard.
Need examples for full reference, then see below.
So, these were just some examples of commonly used citation and referencing styles. It is important to cite the references properly, as many students lose marks due to this.
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Discover clear answers to common queries about using Rolfe’s Reflective Model in healthcare, education, and personal development. Learn how reflection supports evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and wellbeing.
Rolfe’s model reinforces evidence-based practice by promoting professionals to reflect critically on actions (What), evaluate their importance (So what), and implement improvements based on proof and guidelines (Now what?). It bridges clinical experience with ongoing learning and quality care.
In emergency departments, a nurse may use Rolfe’s model to reflect on a quick response to a critical patient—checking what happened, assessing their role and emotions, nd planning how to address similar situations more effectively in the future.
Professors can introduce the model via simple case studies, use guided reflection templates, and promote peer discussions. Breaking down each query with real illustrations helps students build reflective thinking gradually and confidently.
Cultural values might shape how people interpret experiences, express feelings or assess outcomes. For example, some learners may be less pleased with self-criticism or open, vibrant reflection. Professors should promote culturally sensitive spaces for varied reflective voices.
Reflective writing supports people in processing stress, identifying emotional triggers and developing coping approaches. Utilising Rolfe’s model provides a structured space to alleviate tension, build self-awareness and take proactive steps, making it a powerful tool in preventing burnout and supporting wellbeing.
Hello! My name is Dr Christian Wise, and I am a PhD in Nursing Studies from the University of Edinburgh. Previously, I worked as a consultant specializing in nursing practice improvement. Then, I joined Rapid to become an assignment expert. For the last 7 years, my guidance and support made students ace their grades, assignments and exams. My expertise and work experience have made me capable of doing any tough assignments within a short time frame.Connect with me through this platform and get the required aid with your assignments.
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