“Put yourself in their shoes”: a qualitative exploration of perceptions of effective translation teaching in universities

Abstract

This paper investigates perceptions of effective translation teaching in universities through a qualitative exploration. It builds upon the findings of previous survey research and uses focus groups and one-on-one interviews with Australian university translation teachers and students to investigate translation teacher qualities in more depth. The results show the key areas which are perceived to help create an effective translation teacher, which include: profound knowledge of languages and translation, mastery of translation skills and industry experience, engaging and communicative teaching methods, a humorous and inspiring personality, encouraging students in giving constructive feedback, and the ability to understand and help students develop independent learning skills. This study, particularly as it relates to classroom management and feedback given to students, can be applied to translation teaching and then extrapolated to teaching in general. In this way can all teachers find their own ways to motivate student thinking and achieve quality teaching, facilitating independent learning and making teaching outcomes more effective.