Contributions are invited for a special issue of ITT dedicated to Situated Learning in Translator and Interpreter Training: Bridging Research and Good Practice. Situated learning is generally understood as a context-dependent approach to translator and interpreter training under which learners are exposed to real-life and/or highly simulated work environments and tasks, both inside and outside the classroom. Under this approach, it is the tasks and real life professional demands, as well as other contextual factors such as institutional, social, geographical, or community beliefs and customs, rather than a predetermined closed syllabus, that drive curricular design. Ultimately, situated learning seeks to enhance learners’ capacity to think and act like professionals.

Our understanding of situated learning goes beyond previous interpretations of this notion, traditionally dominated by the discussion of pedagogical practices in authentic, real-world professional settings. This wider remit of situated learning encompasses previously underrepresented contextual factors, pertaining to translation traditions, historical trends, socio-economic constraints, market conditions, institutional practices, budgetary issues, or resource availability. This issue sets out to gauge the extent to which different embedding systems influence the implementation of situated learning models.

Themes that may be addressed by contributors include but are not restricted to the following:

• The emergence of translator competence(s) through situated learning.
• Optimal pedagogical procedures in situated learning: from project-work to (simulated) professional practice.
• The influence of student and teacher backgrounds and expectations on syllabus design in different institutional and cultural settings worldwide.
• The impact of learning environments, levels of study (UG, PG and others), and fields of specialization on situated learning practices.
• The role of ICT, translation technology tools and other electronic resources in the situated learning classroom: constraints, challenges and outcomes.
• Reconciling academic and professional perspectives: syllabus design, authentic (or semi-authentic) practices and assessment indicators.

We are seeking original, well-informed, research-based contributions that appeal to an international audience. Although reports on work in progress are also welcome, priority will be given to contributions that report on completed research. Contributions should be between 6,000 and 10,000 words. Papers will be refereed.

500-word abstracts should be sent to both editors: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. andThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Schedule for Publication

Contact Details

Maria González Davies

Facultat de Psicologia, Ciències de l’Educació i l’Esport Blanquerna

Universitat Ramon Llull

C. Císter 34

08022 Barcelona, Spain

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Vanessa Enríquez Raído

School of European Languages and Literatures

Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies

The University of Auckland

Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

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