Motivational implications of Video Modeling Examples in the Translation Class

Over the last years, video modeling examples have spread as a tool for e-learning both in educational and informal environments (like video tutorials on YouTube). Research has found them effective for the acquisition of new skills and for improving learners' confidence in subsequent performances of the modeled task. According to the model-observer similarity (MOS) hypothesis and the similarity-attraction hypothesis, modeling implies social comparison and the degree of learners' perceived similarity to the model affects the efficacy of modeling examples. The study explores the implementation in a translation class of video modeling examples resulting from Think Aloud sessions, as a tool for dispelling doubts about the translation process. 21 near-graduate learners of Specialized Translation at the University of Naples 'L'Orientale' took part in the training. The analysis of learners' feedbacks will describe the effects of video modeling examples on translation learners' motivation and self-efficacy.