Examining the Effectiveness of Simulated Interpreting Projects: Students’ Perspectives

In recent decades, bridging the gap between university-based interpreting teaching and industry needs has been increasingly important as an emerging area of interpreter education and training. Many interpreter educators and practitioners have introduced authentic interpreting practices (e.g. mock conference, role-play, conference observation, field training) into their classrooms and received positive feedback from student interpreters. This study investigates the use of simulated interpreting projects, which have been designed by the interpreter trainer to make student interpreters’ learning more stimulating and effective. Findings from this empirical study have demonstrated that the simulated interpreting projects not only enhanced student interpreters’ skills for and knowledge about the interpreting profession, but also cultivated their vocational skills and investigation capabilities which are crucial for many other professions. This research contributes to the current understanding of enhancing student interpreters’ learning experience via real-life activities. It introduces a fresh perspective for designing an investigative learning model for student interpreters. It also has practical implications for interpreting pedagogy, offering theoretical and empirical support for the changing attitudes and approaches in interpreter education and training.