Data-driven learning, translation and executive secretariat: a self study approach proposal for english learners

Abstract

The foreign language teaching context in Executive Secretariat has specific characteristics which differ from the general teaching of foreign languages for its specific purposes, since the language is used for professional purposes, or international business communication. Considering this context, the aim of our study is to present a teaching proposal with the use of DDL (Data-Driven Learning) in exercises aimed at reading comprehension and translation production of texts for the executive secretariat students in a self study approach. First, we will work on the reading comprehension of the students with support that can help in the construction of this ability. After that and as a forward step of the reading comprehension activity, we propose a writing and translation production activity with guidelines for autonomous development on the part of the students, with the use of data that direct the learning in the foreign language using data-driven learning (DDL). This proposal complements teaching in the classroom since students who use data-driven learning can act as a language researcher looking forward to analyzing language with a specific focus on its structure and context. The proposed activities also provide preparation for professional translation activities, which will be required of executive secretaries when at their workplaces.