Title: The Implementation of a Competency-Based Approach in Teaching Translation at the Algerian University: Reality and Perspectives
Fadila ABADOU
Mohammed Boudiaf University, Algeria
fadhila.abadou@univ.msila.dz
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3212-1697
Abstract
The translation industry is rapidly evolving due to increased mobility in academic and professional contexts, resulting in a growing demand for curricula that address societal needs and foster international communication. Translation training must therefore integrate teaching models that emphasize competency-based approaches and adopt an integrated methodology for teaching and learning. This study aims to assess translation teachers’ awareness of the Competency-Based Approach (CBA) and their ability to implement it in the classroom. It also seeks to evaluate student participation in classroom activities and identify obstacles to the effective application of this approach. Data were collected via a survey administered to 20 translation instructors in Algerian higher education institutions and analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The findings indicate that Algerian universities are not effectively implementing the CBA in translation instruction. A significant number of educators lack awareness of the approach, primarily due to inadequate training, which hinders its application. Moreover, low student engagement in classroom activities points to the need for improved pedagogical strategies. The study highlights the importance of thorough preparation before adopting the CBA and identifies key factors that obstruct its successful implementation.
Keywords: Competency-Based Approach, continuous evaluation, learners, teachers, translation skills
How to Cite this Paper :
Abadou, F. (2025). The Implementation of a Competency-Based Approach in Teaching
Translation at the Algerian University: Reality and Perspectives. Atras Journal, 6 (2), 116-134
References:
Adab, B. (2000). Evaluating translation competence. In C. Schäffner & B. Adab (Eds.), Developing translation competence (pp. 215–228). John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Benadla, L. (2012). The competency-based approach: An efficient response to the needs of Algerian learners. Procedia – Social and Behavioural Sciences, 69, 818–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.11.474
Bernardini, S. (2000). Process-oriented translation approach. Retrieved from http://www.art.man.ac.uk/SML/ctis/events/conference2000/process1.htm
Bouchareb, N., & Ameziane, H. (2020). Implementing CBA in Algerian EFL classrooms: Teachers’ attitudes and challenges. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 11(1), 270–284. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol11no1.20
Boyatzis, R., et al. (1996). Competencies can be developed, but not in the way we thought. Capability, 2, 25–41. Retrieved from http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/york/documents/resources/heca/heca_jn2-2_p25-41.pdf
Bushway, D. (2017). Competency-based education: A policy primer. Capella University.
Cao, D. (1996). Towards a model of translation proficiency. Target, 8(2), 325–340. https://doi.org/10.1075/target.8.2.07cao
Crespo, R., et al. (2010). Aligning assessment with learning outcomes in outcome-based education. IEEE EDUCON Education Engineering, paper 1–8.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage.
Docking, R. (1994). Competency-based curricula–The big picture. Prospect, 9(2), 8. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/aeipt.67848
Gibbons, A. (1998). Higher education relevance in the 21st century. UNESCO / World Bank.
Gonzalez, J., & Wagenaar, R. (Coords.). (2003). Tuning educational structures in Europe (Final Report Phase 1). Universidad de Deusto.
Griffith, G., & Lim, E.-P. (2014). Introduction to competency-based language teaching. MEXTESOL Journal, 38(2), 1–8. Retrieved from https://mail.mextesol.net/static/public/files/e1960d15064530ba085a29622583de18.pdf
Hager, P., & Gonczi, A. (1996). What is competence? Medical Teacher, 18(1), 15–18. https://doi.org/10.3109/01421599609040255
Hurtado Albir, A. (Ed.). (2017). Researching translation competence by the PACTE group. John Benjamins Publishing Co. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.127
Ek, J. v. (1988). Coping. The Language Teacher, 1, 35–40.
Kafyulilo, A. C., Rugambuka, B. I., & Moses, I. (2012). The implementation of competence-based teaching approaches in Tanzania. Makerere Journal of Higher Education, 4(2), 311–326. https://doi.org/10.4314/majohe.v4i2.13
Kafyulilo, et al. (2012). The implementation of competency-based teaching approaches in Tanzania: The case of pre-service teachers at Morogoro Teacher Training College. Universal Journal of Education and General Studies, 1(11), 339–347. Retrieved from http://www.universalresearchjournals.org/ujegs
Khiat, H. (2013). The need for professional development in implementing CBA in Algerian higher education. International Journal of Instruction, 6(2), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2013.6210a
Kiraly, D. (1995). Pathways to translation: Pedagogy and process. Kent State University Press.
Mosha, H. J. (2012). Common core skills for lifelong learning and sustainable development in Africa: A paper presented at the Triennale on education and training in Africa.
Neubert, A. (2000). Competence in language, in languages, and translation. In C. Schäffner & B. Adab (Eds.), Developing translation competence (pp. 3–18). John Benjamins Publishing Co. https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.38.03neu
Nord, C. (1994). Translation as a process of linguistic and cultural adaptation. In C. Dollerup & A. Lindergaard (Eds.), Teaching translation and interpreting 2: Insights, aims, visions. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Nord, C. (2005). Text analysis in translation: Theory, methodology, and didactic application of a model for translation-oriented text analysis (2nd ed.). Rodopi.
Paul, G. (2008). Competency-based language teaching report. Retrieved from http://glendapaul62.blogspot.com/2008/12/competency-based-teaching.html
Richards, J., et al. (1989). Longman dictionary of applied linguistics. Longman Group.
Rosas, M. (2004). Don Kiraly’s social-constructivist approach to translator education. The Translator Journal, 8(4). Retrieved from http://accurapid.com/journal/30review.htm
Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in Nursing & Health, 23(4), 334–340. https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-240X(200008)23:4<334::AID-NUR9>3.0.CO;2-G
Schäffner, C., & Adab, B. (Eds.). (2000). Developing translation competence. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Scheopner-Torres, A. S., Brett, J., & Cox, J. D. (2015). Competency-based learning: Definitions, policies and implementation. Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast & Islands, Education Development Center.
Teichler, U. (1999). Internationalisation as a challenge for higher education in Europe. Tertiary Education and Management, 5, 5–23. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018736718422
Wagenaar, R. (2014). Competence and learning outcomes: A panacea for understanding the (new) role of higher education? Tuning Journal for Higher Education, 1(2), 279–302. https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe-1(2)-2014pp279-302
Weddel, K. S. (2006). Competency-based education and content standards. Northern Colorado Literacy Resource Centre.
Wilss, W. (1996). Knowledge and skills in translator behaviour. John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Zaki, S. (2021). Mixed methods research in Algerian educational studies: Status, challenges and potential. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 11(6), 125–133. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2021-0121.

Copyright for all articles published in ATRAS belongs to the author. The authors also grant permission to the publisher to publish, reproduce, distribute, and transmit the articles. ATRAS publishes accepted papers under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License. Authors submitting papers for publication in ATRAS agree to apply the CC BY-NC 4.0 license to their work. For non-commercial purposes, anyone may copy, redistribute material, remix, transform, and construct material in any media or format, provided that the terms of the license are observed and the original source is properly cited.





































































