Johns model of reflection: structured prompts and an annotated example
Direct answer: Johns model of reflection uses structured prompts to examine an experience, the internal and external factors that influenced it, the knowledge and values involved, possible alternatives, and resulting learning. Johns model for structured reflection is a question framework, not a form that must be completed mechanically.
Start with the decision your assignment asks you to make
Read the brief, learning outcomes and marking language before choosing a framework or editing a paragraph. Reflective writing is assessed in a course context: the useful question is not whether a passage sounds reflective in isolation, but whether it gives the reader the analysis, evidence and future action the task requires.
Use the checks below as a planning aid. They are not a hidden rubric and they do not replace feedback from the module team.
- Choose one significant, de-identified experience.
- Select only prompts that advance the assignment criterion.
- Separate observed facts from inferred feelings or motives.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland · University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit
Revise the reasoning, not just the wording
A productive revision changes what the paragraph helps the reader understand. Select the necessary context, make the interpretation visible, use a source to test a claim rather than decorate it, and connect the learning to a realistic future choice.
Keep uncertainty where it is honest. Nursing reflection does not require inventing confidence, a dramatic mistake or a perfect outcome; it requires an accountable explanation of what you noticed, learned and will examine next.
- Link knowledge and professional guidance to a specific interpretation.
- Consider a plausible alternative without claiming another person's thoughts.
- Make the future action follow from the analysis.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland · University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit · University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit
Johns model of structured reflection example: an annotated prompt map
A safe Johns model of structured reflection example shows the job of each part without supplying a clinical story. Experience: record the student's role and the observed event. Influencing factors: distinguish knowledge, emotion, team context, and constraints. Reflection: test intention against consequences and another plausible perspective. Learning: state what changed and what supervised action follows.
This also answers the intent behind a Johns model of reflection essay example: it is an annotated structure to adapt to a genuine experience, not a submission-ready essay. Replace every prompt answer with your own evidence, reasoning, and language.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland · University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit
Protect confidentiality and authorship
Remove unnecessary identifying details and follow the rules set by your university, placement provider and applicable professional body. Changing a name alone may not make a distinctive event anonymous.
Planning tools and formative feedback can help you find questions or revision priorities. The experience, interpretation, evidence choices and final language must remain yours, and any AI use must follow the declaration rules for your assignment.
Sources: Nursing and Midwifery Council · University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit
Sources and further reading
- John's Model of Reflection
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland — A professional-body overview of the five themes used in Johns' structured reflection. - Assessment criteria for reflection
University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit — Examples of reflective criteria including analysis, selectivity, multiple perspectives and action. - Structure of academic reflections
University of Edinburgh Reflection Toolkit — Guidance on combining context, analysis and conclusions in assessed reflective writing. - The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates
Nursing and Midwifery Council — The current professional standards; students must use the jurisdiction and edition required by their course.
Sources were checked on 3 September 2026. Report an inaccurate or outdated statement through the content corrections process.
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