Donald C. Kiraly (translation scholar)

TL;DR

The author discusses the concept of social constructivism in translator education, emphasizing the importance of active learning and real-world translation projects.

Transcript

Don calii you've just brought out a book called a social constructivist approach to translator education empowerment from Theory to practice what do you mean by a social constructivist approach um a social constructivist approach is uh um it's a it's a name I've taken from a plethora of approaches to um to uh epistemology it's not one particular ap... Read More

Key Insights

• ⚾ Social constructivism challenges the traditional reflection-based epistemology in education.
• 🌍 The social constructivist approach to translation education emphasizes active learning and real-world translation projects.
• 💦 In the author's method, small groups of students work collaboratively and critique each other's work.
• 🎓 Distance learning and expertise studies are important areas of future investigation in translation education.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a social constructivist approach in education?

A social constructivist approach suggests that individuals construct their own understanding of the world through social interaction, rather than simply reflecting what is already known. It challenges the traditional idea of knowledge transfer from teacher to student.

Q: How does a social constructivist approach apply to translation education?

In translation education, a social constructivist approach justifies the method of active learning and real-world translation projects. Students are encouraged to find real jobs in the field and work collaboratively in small groups, critiquing and learning from each other's work.

Q: Is professional translation work done in the classroom given to clients outside?

Yes, the author's approach involves students working on real projects that are commissioned to them. The completed translations are often given to clients outside of the classroom. Although the students themselves do not get paid, the work is considered real and published.

Q: Can a social constructivist approach be applied to translation education at any level?

The author believes that this approach can work at any level of translation education. However, due to curricular constraints, the author currently teaches translation practice at more advanced levels. They do, however, teach an introduction to translation class as a consciousness-raising opportunity for students.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The social constructivist approach posits that individuals construct their own understanding of the world through social interaction, challenging the traditional reflection-based epistemology in education.

• The author uses this approach to justify their method of teaching translation, which involves students taking on real translation jobs and working collaboratively in small groups.

• The author's approach aims to provide practical experience and foster mutual learning among students, as opposed to traditional classroom instruction.