Translation Questions
Please share a translation question for one of the courses you are currently teaching.
Can you explain the operation of the cooling system in the new liquid cooled cylinder heads?
I have found these types of question to be excellent at rooting out misconceptions and misinterpretations of the learning material. They serve to clarify the intended learning objective. With reinforcement and praise, in response to these questions, the students gain a greater understanding of the concepts and content being presented.
Why do you think mahogany was favored over walnut in 18th century furniture design?
ROBERT,
This reinforces the learning and the students feel good about themselves when they complete this task.
Judy Mohammed
I like this translation question. It not only asks the student to explain a concept but it also asks the student to put it layman’s terms. This is almost as if you are asking the student to translate the question twice. Many times in the class a student will give an answer that because of their technical knowledge the instructor and his classmates understand but a novice or customer would not understand.
Asking the student to explain it to someone with less technical background really test the students understanding of the subject.
Mike,
This is a very good question since it encourages critical thinking. Is this a question you use in the classroom?
Judy Mohammed
Why do you think we need to measure the crankshaft for out-of-round?
Dixie,
As teachers, we need to continue trying to improve constantly. I am amused at how classes differ and each class has a different personality. I experience what you referred to about some things working very well in some classes and having a different affect in other classes.
Judy Mohammed
(I knew you were going to ask that!) Yes, I have, sometimes with great results and sometimes with so-so response. I'm still trying to improve my questions. I'd like one day to eliminate all the wart-on-a-pickle people and have everyone eager to participate!
Encoding decisions are usually made on instinct until people are trained to think about the variety and the effects of those choices. Translating both the term and the concept into personal understanding and applications is a crucial task before students begin to make those decisions with more intent. They need to recognize first that they report their weekend adventures to their boss, their mother, and their best friend in different ways. Then they need to become aware of the difference those differences make in the reception of their communication and in their relationships.
Dixie,
This is a good example. Have you used this question in classes?
Judy Mohammed
One consideration in writing or speaking is encoding the message appropriately for the intended audience. What kinds of choices might be included in your code decisions?
Jean-rene,
This is an excellent way to review with students.
Judy Mohammed
I have reviewed with the students how to boil an egg. I now ask someone in the class to explain the steps in their own words.
James,
This is a great question that students can relate to. They aslo become more involved when posed with these questions.
Judy Mohammed
Pretend that I am your mother and you are going over my lab results with me. Explain to me what packed cell volume is.
Patricia,
Questioning on the whole helps us to measure comprehension and learning.
Judy Mohammed
I think that translation questions really gives the instructor insight into the students understanding of information. To me this is important especially in the medical field.
Kimberlee,
Good question! Do you use it in your classes?
Judy Mohammed
Explain, in your own words the process of oxygen consumption and the importance of oxygen delivery has on celluar metabolism?
Janice,
Good example! Is this a question that you use in class?
Judy Mohammed
