Perceptions of Teachers and Students on the Qualities of an Effective Translation Teacher

Abstract

This paper investigates perceptions of teachers and students on the qualities of effective translation teachers in universities using survey research. These qualities include the teachers’ personal traits, the roles they play in and out of the classroom, the pedagogies used in classroom teaching and the feedback given to students. Surveys were designed using Survey Monkey and participants were invited to complete and submit the surveys online. 94 students and 22 teachers from several Australian and New Zealand universities participated in the research. The results show that translation teacher effectiveness includes but not limited to the following factors: effectiveness of classroom teaching, a level of understanding of translation theory and skills, a way of demonstrating these skills, pedagogies to motivate students for their independent learning, a personality which influences students on their learning process and road to professionalism, and ongoing help for students.