DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORATIVE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING MODULE FOR ENHANCING TRANSLATION STRATEGIC SUB-COMPETENCE OF EFL LEARNERS

Abstract

Strategic sub-competence is considered as a key component in translation competence. It is the one that guarantees the efficiency of translation since it represents problem-recognition and strategies used for problem-solving in a translation process (PACTE Group, 2003). This research study aimed at developing a collaborative project-based learning module to enhance translation strategic sub-competence of Thai EFL undergraduate students. The objectives of the study were (1) to develop a collaborative project-based learning module for translation training in a language degree program, (2) to investigate the effect of the Collaborative Project-based Learning Module on the development of strategic sub-competence for translation training in a language degree program. This research study employed one-group pretest-posttest design. Twenty one undergraduate students from Dhurakij Pundit University, majoring or minoring in English, participated in this study. Translation tests, translation projects, Learner’s Diaries, group presentations, and semi-structured interviews were employed to evaluate the effect of the learning module. After the 15-week learning module, the results revealed that the students’ overall translation abilities improved with statistical significance. Additionally, the students’ abilities to identify and solve text-related problems, one of the abilities in strategic sub-competence, significantly improved as well. The findings also indicated that the proposed learning module facilitated the students to collaborate with each other, and the quality of their translations also improved through the process of collaboration. These results suggest that the collaborative project-based learning approach should be implemented in translation classrooms, both for students in translation programs and students in language degree programs, since it can engage them in the process of sharing ideas and supporting each other in collaborative learning environments.