Understanding Meaning-Based Performance Assessment: An Introduction for Interpreters & Transliterators

Lead Facilitator: Betsy Winston, Ph.D.
Dates: March 1-28, 2021

This 4-week module explores the essential elements of assessing the development and performance level of interpreting skills for interpreters and mentors. The ability to assess and, just as importantly self-assess, is the foundation of skill growth and effective interpreting. The module begins with a brief introductory review of meaning-based interpreting as the foundation of assessment approaches. We explore the types of performance assessment-formative, diagnostic, and summative, and the types of feedback resulting from each. Participants then discuss the concept of interpreting vs. language use, and study various rubrics, including a broad meaning-based assessment rubric, and the rubrics they have used. Finally we narrow the focus to diagnostic assessment, practicing the assessment and self-assessment of a variety of interpreting samples.

By exploring these critical elements that contribute to effective assessment of interpreting performance, participants examine how to conduct assessments that incorporate research with reflective assessment practices.

Learning Goals:  On successful completion, participants will:

  • Discuss meaning-based interpreting & transliterating performance assessment concepts and goals.
  • Describe differences between language fluency assessment and interpreting/transliterating assessment
  • Assess interpreting performances based on consumers’ needs and goals, with a focus on discourse features in both the source and target texts.
      • Specific Pre-requisite skills/knowledge: Experience interpreting and/or transliterating (ASL/English)
      • Languages: This online Learning Community is accessible via written English readings. Discussion forums may also include ASL and/or International Sign Language postings-participants need to supply written English translations.

 Logistics & Materials

  • Required Text: No text is required, but there are significant required readings and activities posted in the online study area!
  • Interactive online discussions: To facilitate active online discussions, registration is typically limited to between 8-12 people.
  • Cost:    $300.00*
    • *Webinar Refunds: 50% refund if requested in writing 15 days before start of event; no other refunds are available, unless the webinar is canceled due to low enrollment (less than 8, at discretion of Facilitator).
  • Times: At your own convenience during the dates, but there are specific times/due dates for assignments, discussion postings, and activities.
    • Time Commitment: Average time needed per week to complete the webinar is estimated at 5-6 hours (2-3, twice a week at a minimum).
  • Location: In your favorite chair, home or office.
  • Target Audience: Interpreters, Educators, Mentors (experience level – intermediate)

Schedule & Format (Tentative) TBD

Site open for exploration: Feb. 26, 2021, 12:01AMMonday –> Tuesday
(ALL requirements due no later than 11:59PM Tues. night)
Weds –> Thursday –> Friday
(ALL requirements due no later than 11:59PM Friday night)
Wk. 1
March 1-5
1. Read: all Module Introductory Materials
2. Complete: All assigned activities
3. Post: Introduction to the Canvas Discussion areas
Average est. time: ~1-2 hours

1. Read: Meaning-based Interpreting & Transliterating
2. Complete: all activities (including interpretation or transliteration of assigned source text)
3. Post Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
4. Submit Log: Wk. 1
Average est. time: ~3-4 hours
Wk. 2
March 6-12
1. Post: 2 responses to others
2. Read: Assessment: Why, Who, What
3. Complete: All activities
4. Post: Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours
1. Post: 2 response to others
2. Read: Rubric Structures and Scope
3. Complete: All activities
4. Post: Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
5. Submit Log: Wk. 2
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours
Wk. 3
March 13-19
1. Post: 2 responses to others
2. Read: TBA
3. Application: Assess samples
4. Post: Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours
1. Post: 2 responses to others
2. Read: TBA
3. Application: Assess samples
4. Post: Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
5. Submit Log: Wk. 3
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours
Wk. 4
March 20-28
1. Post: 2 responses to others
2. Application: Assess samples
3. Post: Substantive Reflection on an important Learning point
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours
1. Post 2: responses to others
2. Post-Final learning reflection
3. Submit Log: Wk. 4
Average est. time: ~2-3 hours

Certificate of Completion: Upon satisfactory completion of all activities, discussions, and assignments on time, participants can request a Certificate of Completion if needed for employment records.

RID CEUs: Professional Studies CEUs can be earned by participating in this webinar. These are provided as a part of your registration fee, but each participant must either complete all studies (2.0 CEUs = Certificate of Completion above). Additional CEUs may be earned with documentation of study beyond the 20-24 hours required for the Certificate. More information about this process will be provided at the beginning of the webinar.

Please contact BetsyWinston@TIEMCenter.org with questions and for detailed information about earning RID CEUs. Documentation for earning CEUs must be submitted no later than 10 days after the end of the webinar.

We hope you will join us for this exciting opportunity to discuss new ideas with colleagues and peers!

Facilitator Bio:

Dr. Betsy Winston
Dr. Betsy Winston, Ph.D.

Dr. Betsy Winston is the Director of the Teaching Interpreting Educators and Mentors (TIEM) Center, a Center focused on excellence and integrity in interpreter and mentor education and research. Her areas of expertise include teaching and research in interpreting, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, English and ASL discourse analysis, interpreting skills development, educational interpreting, multimedia applications in ASL research and teaching, and teaching at a distance. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Georgetown University, an M.A. in Linguistics with a focus in American Sign Language from Gallaudet University, and an M.Ed. in Technology & Education from Western Governors University. Dr. Winston has been honored by CIT and RID in 2000 with the Mary Stotler Award, for her contributions to the field of Interpreter Education; in 2016, she received the Outstanding Service to Interpreting award from NAD, as a member of the RID Certification Committee. 

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