Introduction
In today’s academic and professional environments, reflection is no longer just a personal tool—it's a critical part of growth, performance, and learning. Whether you're a student, nurse, teacher, or social worker, reflective practice can enhance your understanding and improve how you respond in future situations. Among the many reflection models available, the Rolfe Reflective Model stands out for its simplicity, practicality, and depth.
In this article, we’ll explore what the Rolfe Reflective Model is, how it works, why it matters, and how you can use it effectively in both academic assignments and real-world scenarios.
Why is Reflective Practice Important?
Reflection bridges the gap between theory and practice. It enables individuals to learn from their actions, improve decision-making, and develop emotional intelligence. For professionals like nurses or teachers, reflection helps transform everyday tasks into meaningful learning experiences. It allows them to pause, review, and critically analyze situations that went well or poorly—and use those insights to do better next time.
Reflective models offer structured ways to guide this thinking process, and that’s where Rolfe’s model comes into play.
The Origins of the Rolfe Reflective Model
The Rolfe Reflective Model was developed by Gary Rolfe, alongside colleagues Freshwater and Jasper, in 2001. Influenced by David Kolb’s experiential learning theory, Rolfe sought to create a reflection tool that was both practical and flexible enough for everyday professional use. Initially designed for nurses, the model quickly found its way into other fields like education, business, and psychology due to its simplicity and broad applicability.
Unlike some reflective models that rely on multiple complex stages, Rolfe’s model is built around three straightforward questions:
What?
So What?
Now What?
Let’s break each one down to understand how they work together.
Step 1: What? – Describing the Experience
The first stage, "What?", focuses on describing the experience. This includes outlining the event, what happened, who was involved, and what your role was. It's about capturing the facts without jumping to interpretation.
Sample guiding questions:
What exactly occurred?
What was I doing?
Who else was involved?
What was the outcome?
This stage is essential because it sets the groundwork for deeper analysis later. By laying out the event in clear terms, you avoid assumptions and maintain objectivity.
Step 2: So What? – Understanding the Significance
Once the event has been described, the next question is: “So what?” This is the analytical phase of the model where you evaluate the importance of the event and the feelings it provoked. You begin to interpret the situation and understand why it unfolded as it did.
Ask yourself:
Why did this event matter?
What were the consequences?
How did I feel at the time?
What were the reactions of others?
Here, you're connecting the dots—linking theory with real-world experience and identifying lessons learned. Emotional awareness and critical thinking are key in this stage.
Step 3: Now What? – Planning for the Future
The final phase asks: “Now what?” This is where you apply what you’ve learned. Reflection isn't valuable unless it leads to growth and improved performance. This stage helps you make actionable decisions that shape future responses and behavior.
Helpful prompts:
What would I do differently next time?
How can I apply this learning in future scenarios?
What skills or knowledge do I still need to develop?
What support or training might help me improve?
This step transforms insight into intention and is crucial for professional development and academic success.
Practical Example of the Rolfe Reflective Model
Imagine a student teacher delivering their first classroom lesson:
What? – I taught a Year 7 science class about chemical reactions. Midway through, several students became disengaged, and the class grew noisy. I struggled to regain their attention.
So what? – I realized I didn’t plan enough engaging activities, and my instructions were unclear. I felt anxious, and it affected my delivery. The students likely sensed my discomfort
Now what? – I plan to observe experienced teachers, revise my lesson plans to include interactive elements, and practice classroom management techniques before my next session.
This simple, three-step reflection provides clarity, ownership, and a plan for improvement.
Benefits of the Rolfe Reflective Model
One of the biggest advantages of the Rolfe model is its accessibility. Whether you're new to reflection or a seasoned professional, the framework is easy to remember and apply, even in high-pressure situations.
Key strengths include:
Simplicity: Only three core questions, making it ideal for quick reflection.
Adaptability: Useful across fields like nursing, teaching, social care, and corporate training.
Focus on Action: Encourages learning that results in behavioral or performance change.
Encourages Critical Thinking: Particularly in the “So what?” stage, it challenges individuals to go beyond surface-level thinking.
In the middle of professional or academic experiences, using the rolfe reflective model as a practical guide allows users to reflect meaningfully, analyze situations critically, and make informed changes that improve future outcomes.
When Should You Use This Model?
This model is particularly useful in the following contexts:
After an event that caused strong emotional responses
During performance reviews or academic feedback sessions
When preparing reflective assignments or journals
During clinical placements, teaching practicums, or internships
As part of supervision or mentorship discussions
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Reflecting on an experience shortly after it occurs can be especially powerful. It ensures details are fresh, emotions are authentic, and insights are more accurate.
Potential Limitations to Consider
While the Rolfe Reflective Model is incredibly user-friendly, it has some limitations:
Oversimplification: Some users feel the model doesn’t offer enough depth for complex experiences.
Linear Process: Real-world reflection is often cyclical, not always following a neat beginning, middle, and end.
Superficial Application: Without deep engagement, answers to the three questions can remain shallow or mechanical.
To overcome these challenges, it’s helpful to combine Rolfe’s model with additional frameworks or theoretical perspectives, especially for high-level academic writing or research-based reflections.
How to Apply the Rolfe Model in Academic Writing
If you're a student tasked with writing a reflective essay or nursing report, the Rolfe model provides a perfect structure. Start by clearly stating the experience (What?), move into analysis and feelings (So what?), and end with actions or changes (Now what?).
Tips for effective reflective writing:
Use clear, concise language.
Include personal insights and emotions.
Back up claims with academic theory if required.
Maintain a professional tone.
Avoid simply describing—focus on evaluation and action.
Conclusion
The Rolfe Reflective Model offers a clear, concise, and powerful approach to reflection. Its three-question framework—What? So What? Now What?—helps learners and professionals turn real-life experiences into opportunities for improvement and development. Though not without limitations, its practicality and versatility make it a preferred choice in education, healthcare, and training settings.
By incorporating this model into your reflective practice, you can build self-awareness, boost critical thinking, and take meaningful steps toward personal and professional growth.
