Embracing Reflective Pedagogical Action Research in Translator Education: The Case of a Hybrid Graduate Course

Authors

  • Fouad EL-Karnichi

    Department of Language Studies, Sohar University, Sohar 311, Oman

  • Soha Fallata

    College of Science and theoretical Studies, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh 13316, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i9.10661
Received: 23 June 2025 | Revised: 3 July 2025 | Accepted: 21 July 2025 | Published Online: 28 August 2025

Abstract

The proposed study employs a qualitative approach to explore the complex learning experiences of two university instructors teaching the same course at a post-graduate level. It assesses the impacts of teacher development and curriculum development, focusing on recording successful teaching practices through the lens of reflective pedagogical action research. A collective data-gathering procedure is performed with data analyzed methodically using ATLAS.ti. The dataset that comprises teachers' perspectives on their experiences is examined through thematic analysis and cloud methodology. Three key elements emerge from the dataset: student engagement, curricular consistency, instructor self-assessment, self-reflection, and self-regulation. The work contributes to knowledge regarding integrating reflective pedagogical action research within translator education and its effects on pedagogical growth. The work also illustrates how reflective pedagogical action research can contribute to meaningful specialist teaching practices as well as the development of education procedures. In this research work, text-to-video learning development and its artificial intelligence effects could have added value to be explored. These developments in research are indicative of the importance of the reflective method toward preparing educators for practicing in technology-led and responsive classrooms. These AI-based aspects, while not forming a focus part of analysis for this current work, do form a future research guide regarding exploring connections between intelligent education tools and reflective pedagogy.

Keywords:

Reflective Pedagogy; Action Research; Translation; Graduate Course; Translation Education; Hybrid Learning

References

[1] Hey, G., Guyot, M., Carter, A., et al., 2023. Augmented Reality in Neurosurgery: A New Paradigm for Training. Medicina. 59, 1721. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59101721

[2] Farrell, T.S.C., 2014. Promoting Teacher Reflection in Second Language Education: A Framework for TESOL Professionals. Routledge: New York, NY, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315775401

[3] Schön, D.A., 2017. The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315237473

[4] Fatkullina, F., Morozkina, E., Suleimanova, A., 2015. Modern Higher Education: Problems and Perspectives. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 214, 571–577. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.11.762

[5] Bruggeman, B., Tondeur, J., Struyven, K., et al., 2021. Experts Speaking: Crucial Teacher Attributes for Implementing Blended Learning in Higher Education. The Internet and Higher Education. 48, 100772. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2020.100772

[6] Chevalier, J.M.,2019. Participatory Action Research: Theory and Methods for Engaged Inquiry, 2nd ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351033268

[7] Dewey, J., 1933. How We Think: A Restatement of the Relation of Reflective Thinking to the Educative Process. D. C. Heath and Company: Boston, MA, USA.

[8] Brookfield, S., 1995. Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher, 1st ed. Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, CA, USA.

[9] Teng, M.F., 2025. Metacognition in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009581295

[10] Simmons, M., McDermott, M., Eaton, S.E., et al., 2021. Reflection as Pedagogy in Action Research. Educational Action Research. 29, 245–258. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2021.1886960

[11] Zeichner, K.M., Liston, D.P., 2013. Reflective Teaching, 2nd ed. Routledge: New York, NY, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203771136

[12] Hattie, J., 2012. Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning, 1st ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203181522

[13] Ramlal, A., Augustin, D.S., 2020. Engaging Students in Reflective Writing: An Action Research Project. Educational Action Research. 28, 518–533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2019.1595079

[14] Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R., 2005. Participatory Action Research: Communicative Action and the Public Sphere. In: Denzin, N., Lincoln, Y. (eds.). Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA. pp. 559–604.

[15] Finlay, L., 2008. Reflecting on ‘Reflective Practice'. Practice‑Based Professional Learning Centre (PBPL CETL): Milton Keynes, UK.

[16] Kolb, D.A., 1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA.

[17] Kiraly, D., 2014. A Social Constructivist Approach to Translator Education: Empowerment from Theory to Practice, 1st ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315760186

[18] Davies, M.G., 2004. Multiple Voices in the Translation Classroom: Activities, Tasks and Projects. John Benjamins Publishing: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

[19] Boud, D., Keogh, R., Walker, D. (eds.), 2013. Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315059051

[20] Alsina, Á., Mulà, I., 2019. Advancing Towards a Transformational Professional Competence Model Through Reflective Learning and Sustainability: The Case of Mathematics Teacher Education. Sustainability. 11(15), 4039. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154039

[21] Fook, J., Gardner, F., 2007. Practising Critical Reflection: A Resource Handbook. Open University Press: Maidenhead, UK.

[22] Moon, J.A., 2006. Learning Journals: A Handbook for Reflective Practice and Professional Development, 1st ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203969212

[23] Rodgers, C., 2002. Defining Reflection: Another Look at John Dewey and Reflective Thinking. Teachers College Record. 104(4), 842–866. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/016146810210400402

[24] Larrivee, B., 2000. Transforming Teaching Practice: Becoming the Critically Reflective Teacher. Reflective Practice. 1(3), 293–307. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/713693162

[25] Hedberg, P.R., 2009. Learning Through Reflective Classroom Practice: Applications to Educate the Reflective Manager. Journal of Management Education. 33(1), 10–36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562908316714

[26] Bolton, G., Delderfield, R., 2018. Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. SAGE Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

[27] Korthagen, F.A.J., Nuijten, E.E., 2017. Core Reflection Approach in Teacher Education. In: Korthagen, F.A.J., Nuijten, E.E. (eds.). Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.268

[28] Mezirow, J., 1997. Transformative Learning: Theory to Practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education. 1997(74), 5–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ace.7401

[29] McAlpine, L., Weston, C., 2000. Reflection: Issues Related to Improving Professors' Teaching and Students' Learning. Instructional Science. 28, 363–385. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026583208230

[30] Hargreaves, A., Fullan, M., 2015. Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School. Teachers College Press: New York, NY, USA.

[31] Kelly, D., 2014. A Handbook for Translator Trainers, 1st ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315760292

[32] Massey, G., 2021. Learning to Bridge the Divide: Integrating Teacher and Organizational Development in Translator Education. Journal of Translation Studies. 1(1), 109–140. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3726/JTS012021.7

[33] Pietrzak, P., 2019. Scaffolding Student Self-Reflection in Translator Training. Translation and Interpreting Studies. 14(3), 416–436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.18029.pie

[34] Gibbs, G., 1988. Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Further Education Unit: London, UK.

[35] Neves, J., Cravo, A., 2007. Action Research in Translation Studies. The Journal of Specialised Translation. 7, 92–107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26034/cm.jostrans.2007.718

[36] Gambier, Y., Van Doorslaer, L., 2016. Border Crossings: Translation Studies and Other Disciplines. John Benjamins Publishing Company: Amsterdam, Netherlands. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.126

[37] Vuong, T.T.N., 2022. Towards a Translator Competence Model for Vietnamese Context: A Review of the Literature. VNU Journal of Foreign Studies. 38(6), 123–137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25073/2525-2445/vnufs.4888

[38] Gardner, H., 1987. The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Annals of Dyslexia. 37, 19–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02648057

[39] Pym, A., 2001. E-Learning and Translator Training. Available from: https://usuaris.tinet.cat/apym/on-line/training/2001_elearning.pdf .

[40] Jaehne, M.F., Oschwald, A., Mertz, K., et al., 2022. Coherence Among University Courses, Learning Motivation, and Personal and Social Identity. PsychArchives: Trier, Germany. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23668/PSYCHARCHIVES.5591

[41] Karamitroglou, F., 2000. Towards a Methodology for the Investigation of Norms in Audiovisual Translation: The Choice Between Subtitling and Revoicing in Greece. Rodopi: Amsterdam, Netherlands. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004485891

Downloads

How to Cite

EL-Karnichi, F., & Fallata, S. (2025). Embracing Reflective Pedagogical Action Research in Translator Education: The Case of a Hybrid Graduate Course. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(9), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i9.10661