The Nitty Gritty of Educational Interpreting
Dr. Melissa Smith
Educational interpreters face challenges that require proficiency in ASL and English, as well as an understanding of pedagogy and Deaf students’ unique needs. They must manage classroom dynamics and visual demands while making quick decisions to convey information accurately and adapt to students’ language abilities. Additionally, interpreters advocate for Deaf students’ inclusion and collaboration with teachers and stakeholders, demanding cognitive flexibility, empathy, and resilience.
The Nitty Gritty of Educational Interpreting
Dr. Melissa Smith
0.25 CEUs
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This course investigates the complexities of educational interpreting by addressing two main questions: What do interpreters do, and what influences their decision-making? Participants will study the five core tasks of interpreters—interpreting and transliterating, using resources effectively, maintaining productivity, engaging with diverse individuals, and assessing and responding to the complex array of contextual, situational, and human factors that influence their work. The course emphasizes strategies for optimizing visual access, promoting language and content learning, and cultivating participation opportunities for Deaf students. It also covers the challenges of supporting students with diverse language backgrounds and the need for tailored interpretations. Through real-world examples, participants will gain insights into the responsibilities of interpreters, including facilitating communication, supporting language acquisition, and fostering autonomy, ultimately empowering them to enhance Deaf students’ educational experiences.
Educational Objectives:
- Participants will identify and describe the primary tasks of interpreters, including interpreting and transliterating between languages, effectively utilizing resources, maintaining productivity, interacting with diverse individuals, and assessing and responding to the diverse factors that influence their work in order to support Deaf students effectively.
- Participants will analyze the factors influencing interpreters’ decision-making processes, exploring how these decisions optimize visual access, promote the learning of language and content, and cultivate opportunities for participation.
- Participants will develop techniques to support Deaf students’ language acquisition and inclusion, while formulating strategies to effectively manage competing visual demands and improve their engagement with educational content.
- Participants will evaluate the readiness and specific instructional needs of Deaf students, tailoring interpreting approaches to facilitate language development and autonomy according to each student’s unique circumstances.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
About Your Presenter
Melissa Smith, EdD, is the parent of a Deaf young adult adopted at the age of 5. At the time, she was conducting doctoral research on the work and decisions of K-12 interpreters and teaching full-time in the ASL-English interpreting program at Palomar College in San Diego county. She is dedicated to supporting language development and literacy for kids with severe language delays and for ASL and interpreting students. With her expertise in curriculum development and education, she created ASL Flurry, the only digital language learning enterprise to promote learning of and through American Sign Language for all levels.