Introduction
Reflective practice is widely recognized as a vital skill in academic, clinical, and professional environments. While many students and professionals are introduced to basic reflection during their studies, the real power of reflection lies in its advanced application---going deeper than simply answering "What?", "So What?", and "Now What?". Driscoll's Model of Reflection , known for its simplicity, offers surprising depth when approached with more critical and nuanced techniques.
In this article, we'll explore advanced ways to use Driscoll's Model, helping students, especially in fields like healthcare, nursing, education, and social work, elevate their reflective writing and thinking. Whether you're preparing for a dissertation, NMC revalidation, or postgraduate study, these techniques will help you move beyond the basics.
New to Driscoll's Model?
The Foundation: A Quick Recap of Driscoll's Model
Driscoll's Reflective Model is built on three deceptively simple questions:
What? -- What happened?
So What? -- Why does it matter?
Now What? -- What will you do next?
This structure works well as an introduction to reflective thinking, but to engage in higher-level reflection---especially for academic or professional purposes---you need to dig deeper at each stage.
Advanced Technique 1: Layered Analysis in the "So What?" Phase
Most reflective writing falters in the "So What?" phase, where analysis should occur. Basic users often stop at describing emotions or stating that something was "challenging" or "insightful."
Try This:
