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Using Exemplars to Promote Student Engagement in Self-Assessment: Insights From the Translation Classroom

  • Xiaosa Li

    Xiaosa Li is an associate professor of English (applied linguistics) at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. Her research interests include automated feedback, teacher/student feedback literacy, translation pedagogy.

    and Ping Ke

    Ping Ke is a professor of English at Nanjing University. His research interests include language education and transition studies.

Published/Copyright: December 1, 2025

Abstract

This study investigates whether and how exemplars can facilitate student engagement in self-assessment tasks. An intact class of 32 undergraduates majoring in Chinese-English translation participated in the study. After some preliminary training, the students performed three translation self-assessment tasks, each involving comparison with authentic exemplars of varying quality and filling out a structured self-assessment report. Our analysis of multiple sources of data reveals the multi-dimensional nature of student engagement in self-assessment activities and the potential for using authentic exemplars of different qualities to enhance students’ cognitive and behavioral engagement and mitigate negative emotions in the process. Pedagogical implications for implementing exemplars and self-assessment to promote student engagement and support student learning are discussed.

About the authors

Xiaosa Li

Xiaosa Li is an associate professor of English (applied linguistics) at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. Her research interests include automated feedback, teacher/student feedback literacy, translation pedagogy.

Ping Ke

Ping Ke is a professor of English at Nanjing University. His research interests include language education and transition studies.

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Appendix I Translation Self-Assessment (SA) Report

Translation SA Report

◆ Meaning and Style

1. This translation transmits all the information in the original.

(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
2. The terms, proper nouns, numbers, if any, are translated correctly.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
3. The style of this translation corresponds to that of the original.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
4. Are there any problems with the accuracy of this translation? How did that happen? What could have been done to improve its accuracy?
◆ Cohesion and Coherence
5. This translation has a natural flow.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
6. This translation has good cohesion and coherence.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
7. Are there any problems with the cohesion and coherence of this translation? What can be done to improve the language of this translation at the textual level? Please be specific.
◆ Language Use
8. The language is correctly used, in terms of grammar, collocation, syntax and so on.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
9. Are there problems at the word, phrase, or sentence level? How did they happen? What can be done to improve them? Explain with specific examples.
10. Are there grammatical errors in this translation? If so, how can they be avoided in future?
◆ Mechanics
11. This translation uses spelling and punctuation marks correctly.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
12. The translator does a good job in terms of the typography.
(strongly disagree) ----1 2 3 4 5 ----(strongly agree)
◆ Overall Evaluation
13. Compared with the exemplars, what merits/weaknesses does this translation have? What can you learn from the exemplars?
14. Were you comfortable with this translation assignment? How much time did you spend on it? To what extent are you satisfied with your performance?
15. If the full mark is 100 points, I would give this translation ______ points.

Appendix II Interview Guidelines

  1. How did you make use of the exemplars during self-assessment?

  2. If translation exemplars are not available, would you still find self-assessment rewarding and fruitful? Why or why not?

  3. As far as you are concerned, what benefits does translation self-assessment offer?

  4. What are the major difficulties that you experienced when you did translation self-assessment?

  5. How often do you want to do translation self-assessment in one semester?

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Philosophy and Social Sciences Project of Higher Education Institutions, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education (Grant No. 2024SJZD089).

Published Online: 2025-12-01
Published in Print: 2025-11-25

© 2025 BFSU, FLTRP, Walter de Gruyter, Cultural and Education Section British Embassy

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