Working with an Interpreter

in the Classroom
By Christy Smith
I am
Average, everyday, sane-
psycho
An optimist
A professional student
A co-worker
A professional interpreter
Let me introduce you to Anne Interpreter
So what is really going on in her head?
Recognize
Chunk
Understand
Analyze
Rehearse
Perceive
Produce
As A Result Interpreters are a lot
like Ducks
On the surface, we
appear calm and
unruffled.
Below the surface,
we paddle like
well, you know.
Preparation

What is the Goal of your
lesson?
Things that I need in order
to be prepared include:
Worksheets/handouts
Notes
Vocabulary
Videos
Summaries of upcoming
discussions
Information about special
events
What you dont understand, you cant interpret, what you
misunderstand, you will misinterpret. Dennis Cokely
The vodka is attractive, but
the meat is rotten
Any idea what this
quote originally
said?
The spirit is willing, but the
flesh is weak.
Also
Please give your subs advance warning
An interpreter is the same as a
classroom aide, right?
Umm not really, no.
Things that I am not qualified to do or that will
minimize my effectiveness include
Correcting papers
Watching the class
Tutoring students
Taking care of discipline
Running errands
My primary job is to interpret
Nothing should interfere with my ability to do that
Code of Ethics
If you dont want
it interpreted,
dont say it
You dont need to
interpret that
Code of
Confidentiality
However
Take five
Degradation of
Message after
20-30 minutes
Student fatigue
Permanent
Injury

One Message at a Time
Turn taking

Multi-Step Approach

Notes
Missed information is unavoidable, especially
if you are presenting more than one message
at a time
Processing Time
Interpreting does not
happen instantly

Waiting about 3-5
seconds after speaking
for the Deaf person to
understand will give
them an opportunity to
participate
Fun and Games
There are all sorts of ways to make the excitement
accessible to ALL members of the class
Dont forget about
processing time
Use visuals when possible
Work with interpreter to
level the playing field
Be creative!
are not so fun if you cant participate.
Tried reading in the dark?

Lighting

In order to receive visual
messages, you have to
be able to see all sources
of information clearly
Line of Sight
Student needs to be able to see the:
Teacher - Interpreter - Other students - Visuals
This will
require some
flexibility in
seating and
interpreter
placement
This is not
what is
meant
when I say
flexible
seating
Speak Naturally
Be yourself Whoever that may be!
If necessary, I will ask you to slow down or repeat
yourself. No worries!
Private Conversations
Direct communication
tell him or ask him
Demeaning to
student
Confusing to
interpreter
Interpreter will speak
in first person
Eye Contact

Closed Captioned Videos
If you ever want to
see me cry, just bring
in a two hour,
uncaptioned movie
for me to interpret
By the way, I am the worst person to ask for info on how to set up the captions.
I am technologically impaired.
Want to Know a Secret?
Described and Captioned Media Program
Think of it like FREE NetFlix for the classroom
Large variety of captioned videos available for teachers to borrow FREE!
Register at www.dcmp.org
Relax!
Using an interpreter is
not meant to be difficult
or overwhelming

The other students will
stop watching me

I am not here to critique
your teaching (I am in
awe of you!)
It will take a bit of extra work
but when all is said and done, it
will be worth it.
A word of Warning
I am only human, I WILL make mistakes
At some point during the
year, I am almost
guaranteed to make a fool
of myself at least once.

Consider yourself warned.
Questions?
Curious?
Feel free to ask me
anything-
I promise not to Bite!
Thanks!
Special Thanks to: Dwight Godwin, Tracy
Frederick, Joy Marks, Darlene Dubrow, Sammy Milburn

Information from:
http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&Re
visionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=id_051607#
http://www.vitalsigns.cc/newuseservices.htm
http://www.deaflinx.com/Interpreting/consumers.html
http://www.ocrid.org/
http://www.classroominterpreting.org/home.asp
http://www.signlanguageresourcesinc.com/workingwithinterpreters.htm

Images from:
http://www.nadn.navy.mil/AcDean/adpnotes.html
http://www.theinterpretersfriend.org/misc/humr/toc.html
Nelson-Merlay, Val. 1995, Silent News, INC.
http://wordyninja.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/bush_confused.jpg
http://loanworkout.org/wp-content/uploads/einstein-duh.bmp
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4781/rockpaperscissorspu3.png
http://www.expertphotoshop.com/photo-effects/apples-and-oranges/
http://www.skillsconverged.com/Portals/5/CourseMaterial/apple_orange_conflict.jpg
http://blog.calgarypubliclibrary.com/blogs/homework_help/volunteer.jpg
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/64399/finding-nemo-shark-4900800.jpg
http://www.areyougame.com/images/items/HB00390.jpg
http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/PHD/PHD571/AA043009.jpg
http://www.wiltshirepct.nhs.uk/DentalService/NoSmokingDay/baby%20crying.jpg
http://utenti.lycos.it/doh/indexfiles/homer_doh.gif
http://www.dcmp.org
http://graphicshunt.com/funny/images/one_scared_girl-12006.htm
http://www.truckertaxrelief.com/image-files/paperwork.jpg
http://images.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/_photos/2006-07-09-italy-in.jpg
http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/2005_the_legend_of_zorro_002.html
http://www.billyjoestoontown.com/snoopy/images/clipart_sally.gif
http://felicelog.blogspot.com/2008/04/fashion-sense-of-good-girls-who-go-bad.html
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/the-platform/files/2009/02/ben.jpg
http://disguisedgods.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/dead-poets-society-1.jpg
http://www.trixbruce.com/images/heart2.jpg