Research On Application Of Peer Collaborative Learning In Interpreting Training

In recent years,peer collaborative learning,which encompasses peer assessment and peer tutoring,is drawing increasing attention from interpreting trainers and researchers.Based on the Topping’s model of peer assessment,the paper presents an observational study of a two-month long training camp for preparing interpreting trainees to attend a national interpreting competition.The training camp is initialed,organized and participated by the six interpreting trainees under study.The researchers audited and live recorded all the training sessions and then transcribed and coded the interactions among the trainees,comparing peer collaborative learning with/without expert interpreters,instruction.The result shows that peer collaborative learning plays an important role in interpreting training by helping learners advance from instrumental learning to strategic learning,from focusing on declarative knowledge to focusing on procedural and tactic knowledge.According to the research,peer collaborative learning generates positive influence on trainees’ error management,communication skills,strategic learning and meta-cognition.Drawn on findings from the observational study,this paper probes into how peer collaborative learning advances interpreting skills and what role expert interpreters’ instruction play in the process so as to offer suggestion to the application of peer collaborative learning in interpreting education.