Discussion Group
A discussion group is a multi-week learning event involving independent and group activities. The discussion group provides space where peers engage in facilitated, deliberate, and on-going professional reflection and dialog using books, chapters, and other materials relevant to the work of ASL-English interpreters.
The Space
The Discussion Group space is founded in…
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Social learning - Identify with, develop, challenge, and apply ideas together respectfully.
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Safe and brave interactions - Assume positive intent and be free of bias while seeking greater knowledge and understanding.
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Reflective practice - Talk about the work with colleagues in a structured manner for the purpose of growth.
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A group of equals - Everyone adds value through different backgrounds and unique life experiences.
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Maintained confidentiality - Shared understanding between professionals that discussion of the work will occur in appropriate situations and in an appropriate manner (Dean & Pollard, 2013). A "shared understanding" is the discussion and application of ideas leading to (the goal of) improved effective practice. "Appropriate situations" is the discussion occurring in a closed environment. An "appropriate manner" is the discussion of work involves a) identifying what needs to be revealed and what does or should not be shared and b) prioritizing the most important information to share. Hippocrates stated “That whatever I shall see or hear that concerns the lives of my patients which is not fitting to be spoken, I will keep forever secret” (Dean & Pollard, 2013, p. 142). If a listener happens to make connections, they will maintain confidentiality.
The Expectations
As a participant, you are expected to...
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Complete all independent materials and reflections prior to scheduled group activities.
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Reflect by compiling talking points including (but not limited to) questions, agreements, disagreements, challenges, and observations from the reading as well as examples and observations from your work as an interpreter.
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Attend all group meetings.
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Actively engage in and listen to the dialog.
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Be a positive influence to the discussion and each other. Approach disagreements, offenses, hurt feelings, and conflict in a professional manner.
The Stimulus
The stimulus changes with each discussion group. Some books, chapters, and materials come from the field of interpreting and some do not. All stimulus, though, have connections to the work of interpreters.
The upcoming discussions include:
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Woke - Sensitivity or Another-ism? based on John McWhorter's Woke Racism book
The five past discussions were:
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In The Zone based on Jack Hoza's book
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Race: A Conversation based on Beverly Daniel Tatum's book
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The Intersection of Personality & Interpreting based on Kurz, Maroski, & Talbott's article
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Lets "Get Real!" based on Samantha Terzis's book
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Effort Models of Interpreting based on a Daniel Gile book chapter