1. What is The Effective Interpreting Series?
The Effective Interpreting Series is a ten-volume set of interpreter education materials that can be used for classroom study or independent study. The series combines clearly explained topics and research with practical exercises that increase the skills needed to interpret effectively. Each set contains a book, and a DVD with natural language excerpts in either ASL or English.
2. How many of the ten volumes have been released?
In November 2018 the final of the ten volumes was released, Simultaneous Interpreting from ASL. The other nine volumes in print are: English Skills Development, ASL Skills Development, Cognitive Processing Skills in English, Cognitive Processing Skills in ASL, Translating from English, Translating from ASL, Consecutive Interpreting from English, Consecutive Interpreting from ASL and Simultaneous Interpreting from English.
3. What is the difference between the Teacher's Guide and the Study Set?
The Teacher's Guide contains all of the information that is in the Study Set plus discussion questions for each unit's topic, and guidance about possible student performance. The DVD that accompanies the Teacher's Guide has the same content as the Study Set DVD.
4. How are the books and DVDs organized?
The sets (book/DVD) are organized in units. Each unit has introductory information about a topic or skill like "multitasking" or "main idea identification." Also in each unit are carefully designed exercises. The source material is on the accompanying DVD. The exercises and study questions guide you through interaction with the DVD.The sets (book/DVD) are organized in units. Each unit has introductory information about a topic or skill like "multitasking" or "main idea identification." Also in each unit are carefully designed exercises. The source material is on the accompanying DVD. The exercises and study questions guide you through interaction with the DVD.
5. Why do you suggest doing each exercise more than once?
Some people think it is like 'cheating' to practice on warm material, but that's not true! Practice on familiar material allows you to develop better control, and helps improve the various skills and processes used for interpreting.
6. I noticed that the speakers sometimes make mistakes when they talk or sign. Didn't they rehearse their lines?
Effective practice material must focus on naturally occurring discourse, complete with mistakes, repetitions, and fillers. This is the type of discourse interpreters will encounter in the real world. All of the speakers and signers in the series were asked to think about several ideas: A brief introduction, a short personal story, how to do something, and a short lecture. The speakers did not write out their remarks and did not rehearse them.
7. What is a progress tracking sheet?
At the end of each chapter is a place for you to keep track of your work. You may choose to just write a comment (qualitative analysis) or you may assign points to your work (quantitative analysis). Both systems are explained in the study set.
8. How long would it take to study the topics in one study set?
TEACHERS: The study sets are designed to provide enough material for a semester-long 3-credit course, if all exercises, study questions, and follow-up exercises are completed.
INDEPENDENT STUDY: Depending on the agreement made with an RID approved sponsor, times can vary.
9. As a working interpreter, do I use the Study Set or Teacher's Guide? How do I set up my independent study?
Working interpreters would benefit from buying Teacher's Guides. The additional tips and information for teachers will also help working interpreters.
To set up independent study, first you need to locate an approved CMP/ACET sponsor. Do this by going to www.rid.org. Complete a participant initiated non-RID activities (PINRA) or independent studies form and have it approved by your sponsor. You and the sponsor will agree on what work is to be completed and what the timeframe will be as well as the total number of CEU's you can earn.
10. What are some other ways I can use the materials?
A great way to get the most of The Effective Interpreting Series is to "mix and match" video segments and exercises. If you've completed several sets of materials, but still need practice in a particular skill (like "delayed repetition") you can use video selections from any other part of the series, matched with specific exercises to reinforce your practice.
11. I'm an interpreter educator. Our program has not required students to purchase textbooks in the past, especially not workbooks. Why should I require my students to purchase their own study sets?
There are many reasons to require study sets for your students, like having everyone use the same materials, create more in-class time for discussion, and to make your prep work a little easier!
Interpreter education is very labor-intensive for teachers. In order to maximize contact time with your students it is extremely beneficial to have all students studying the same material at the same time. This will help you identify student strengths and weaknesses. In addition, by providing outstanding source material, you save time. Teachers don't have to search for appropriate material and then think up what exercise would best suit that source material since all of this work has been done for you in preparing The Effective Interpreting Series.
Also, by assigning out-of-class study, you teach students to take responsibility for developing their skills on their own time.
Nationwide, we have a shortage of interpreter education graduates who are fully ready to enter the job market. By providing students with study materials they can use in the program and on their own as they enter the field, we improve the supply of well-qualified graduates.