OPTIMALE recommendations
The OTCT project builds on the results of the OPTIMALE network, an Erasmus Academic Network of 70 academic and language industry partners in the field of professional translation. The OPTIMALE online survey of language industry employers’ competence requirements showed that awareness of and the ability to implement professional procedures throughout the translation process are key factors in the employability of university translation graduates. This led to the definition of good practice in specific areas of translator training, in particular in the integration of professionally-oriented practices in the curriculum.
Involvement of 7 European universities
The project involves students and staff in advanced translation degree programmes from seven academic institutions (Rennes 2 University, France; HE Vinci, Brussels, Belgium; Swansea University, UK; Univerzita Karlova V Praze, Prague, Czech Republic; Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Universita ta Malta, Malta; Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain).
Aims and objectives
The OTCT project aims to enhance the professionally-oriented content of university translation degree programmes via intensive collaborative technical translation sessions in simulated professional conditions (referred to as “Tradutech sessions”), and by exchanging good practice and resources on the implementation of project-based teaching and learning in the field of translator training.
Tradutech sesssions
The project is focused on the “Tradutech” intensive sessions, with preparatory activities leading up to the sessions and material from the sessions feeding into further resources for use in the classroom.
Link with the industry
Output from the student “translation companies” will be assessed according to professional criteria by language industry professionals and feedback will be provided to the students and used as learning materials in classes following the Tradutech sessions.
Teachers and students mobility
Two of the Rennes Tradutech sessions are to be attended by teaching staff from the other partner institutions, who will take part in a parallel training of trainer session. Two other sessions will be attended by students from the other institutions, who will be integrated as full members of the Rennes teams.
What will happen beyond the project timespan?
Sustainability will be ensured by teaching and learning resource production and dissemination, the training of trainer sessions, and the production of a Handbook on the implementation of project-based translator training which will be made freely available to other institutions.
OTCT Impact
Participating students will benefit from the hands-on experience and professional feedback, while teaching staff will gain experience of project-based collaborative learning methodologies.
The OTCT project is described in this presentation :
