A Pilot Study of Using Online Collaborative Problem-Based Learning In an Undergraduate Translation Course
Abstract: English-Chinese Translation is a required course for most undergraduate students of English major in Chinese universities, and it was taught traditionally through introducing translation theories and appreciating the translated masterpieces. With the development of machine translation technology and online translation collaboration platforms, it is urgent to guide students to be able to work in an online collaborative working environment. This article reports an online problem-based learning (PBL) model designed and implemented for the first time in delivering an undergraduate English-Chinese translation course. By doing so, we intend to familiarize students with the real-world work cycle of professional translation projects, enhance skills required as professional translators, and comprehensively cultivate students’ translation competence. This pilot study shares experience gained and lessons learned with applying PBL in an online translation course. Teaching advice and future research directions are also discussed.