B:Consecutive Interpretation Skills

 Unit 1:(Session1): Mastering Preparation and Research Skills

Objectives:

1. Research Skills: Equip students with effective research techniques to gather relevant background information.

2. Preparation Techniques: Develop systematic approaches for preparing for interpretation assignments.

3.Anxiety Reduction: Alleviate speaking anxiety through thorough preparation and confidence-building exercises.

4.Resource Utilization: Familiarize students with various resources and tools for effective preparation.

Sub Skills:

1. Research Methods: Ability to identify and utilize various sources of information effectively.

2. Note-taking: Developing a system for capturing essential information during research.

3. Summarization: Ability to distill key points from research into concise notes.

4.Time Management: Organizing preparation time efficiently to cover all necessary aspects.

Strategies of Teaching:

1.Collaborative Research Projects: Encourage group research assignments to promote teamwork.

2. Workshops: Conduct workshops on effective research and note-taking techniques.

3. Peer Review Sessions: Facilitate peer feedback on research findings and preparation methods.

Teaching Aids:

1. Research Databases: Access to online academic databases and libraries.

2. Digital Note-taking Tools: Introduce apps for organizing research notes.

3.Guides and Templates: Provide templates for effective research planning and note-taking.

Techniques:

• Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to organize thoughts and connections between topics.
• Annotated Bibliographies: Teach students to create annotated bibliographies for better resource management.
• Mock Interpretation Sessions: Simulate interpretation scenarios to practice preparation techniques.

Procedures:

Phase 1: Introduction

• Discuss the significance of preparation in consecutive interpretation.
• Introduce concepts of research and preparation.

Phase 2: Research Skills Development

• Research Techniques: Teach students how to find reliable sources.
• Note-taking Practice: Engage students in exercises to improve their note-taking skills.

Phase 3: Preparation Techniques

• Mock Preparation: Assign a topic for students to prepare for an upcoming mock interpretation.
• Peer Collaboration: Have students work in pairs to share research findings and preparation strategies.

Phase 4: Feedback and Evaluation

• Facilitate peer reviews of preparation plans.
• Provide instructor feedback on research and preparation effectiveness.

Activities:

Activity Name:

"Consecutive Interpreting: Research and Delivery"

Connectivism Principle:

Distributed Cognition

Connectivism views learning as a process of connecting to specialized information sources. Distributed cognition suggests that knowledge is not solely within an individual but is spread across networks and tools.

Objective:

To enable EFL majors to develop effective preparation and research strategies for consecutive interpreting while reducing anxiety through collaborative practice and technology integration.

Pre-Task Activity:

Activity: "Topic Exploration and Resource Compilation"

1.    Topic Selection: Students select topics of interest from various domains such as current events, technology, or healthcare.

2.    Initial Research: Students conduct preliminary research to gather basic information and key terminology related to their chosen topic.

3. Resource Sharing: Students share their initial findings, articles, and relevant links in a dedicated WhatsApp group.

Connection:

Tools:

• WhatsApp: For sharing research materials, discussing findings, and providing mutual support.
• Vocaro: To practice summarizing research findings and record short presentations for peer review.
• Voice Thread: To create multimedia presentations incorporating research and receive feedback from peers and instructors.

Production:

Activity: "Research Presentation and Interpretation Simulation"

1.In-Depth Research: Students conduct thorough research on their selected topics, identifying key concepts, terminology, and potential challenges for interpretation

2. Presentation Preparation: Students prepare structured presentations summarizing their research, including key points and potential questions

3. Interpretation Simulation: Students deliver their presentations, followed by consecutive interpretation by their peers. Roles are rotated to ensure all students practice both presenting and interpreting

4.  Feedback and Reflection: Peers provide constructive feedback on the accuracy, clarity, and delivery of the interpretation using Vocaro. Students reflect on their performance and the feedback received

Practical Link for Practice This Skill:

1. EXERCISES FOR CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING - Michigan Courts

2.  Practical Audio Resources | National Center for Interpretation - The University of Arizona

3. ONE Short-Term Memory Exercise for Consecutive Interpreters - YouTube

4.    . CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING PRACTICE EXERCISES

Activity 2: Thematic Terminology Hunt

Objective:
To train students to efficiently identify, collect, and organize topic-specific vocabulary and terminology prior to interpreting assignments.

Instructions:

1.Assign students a specific interpreting topic (e.g., healthcare, technology, environmental issues).

2.    Students research 15–20 key terms in both source and target languages, including definitions and usage in context.

3.    Have them compile a mini-glossary using a template.

4.    Students share glossaries and perform a brief simulated interpretation using the terminology.

Tools:

• Research worksheet or glossary template
• Bilingual dictionaries, corpus tools
• Internet access
• Terminology databases

Links:

• IATE (EU Terminology Database)
• Linguee – Translation and Context
• Reverso Context – Usage in Sentences

Activity 2: Speaker Profiling and Topic Briefing

Objective:
To develop the ability to analyze a speaker’s background and anticipate content, tone, and style for better contextual preparation.

Instructions:

1.    Provide a recorded speech (e.g., from TED Talks, conferences).

2.Students must research the speaker’s background (profession, nationality, ideology, previous talks).

3.They write a briefing note predicting vocabulary, main ideas, and speech structure.

4.Then, students watch and interpret the speech based on their preparation.

5.Reflect on the accuracy of their predictions and how the research helped.

Tools:

• Internet search
• Speech or video clip

Links:

• TED Talks (filter by profession or theme)
• YouTube Conference Speeches
• Speaker Background Checker: LinkedIn

Activity 3: Pre-Assignment Simulation: Research + Delivery

Objective:
To simulate the full preparation cycle for a real interpreting assignment including background research, terminology collection, and interpretation delivery.

Instructions:

1. Assign a mock interpreting task with a client profile and event topic (e.g., a UN climate meeting).

2.    Students must:

o    Research the event/organization

o    Prepare background notes

o    Develop a glossary

o    Practice interpretation with a pre-recorded speech

3.They deliver the interpretation in class or via video, followed by peer/instructor evaluation.

Tools:

• Research checklist
• Glossary and briefing templates
• Video of a relevant speech

Links:

• UN Web TV – Speeches for Practice
• FAO Document Repository (for thematic research)
• Canva – Use for professional glossary/report formatting

Activities with Links, Apps, and Tools

1.    Research Practice:

o    Google Scholar

o    JSTOR

2.    Note-taking Apps:

o    Evernote

o    Notion

3.    Video Resources:

o    Research Skills on YouTube

4.    Collaboration Tools:

o    Microsoft Teams

Evaluation:

• Formative Assessment: Conduct quizzes on research techniques and note-taking methods.
• Summative Assessment: Evaluate final preparation projects based on thoroughness, organization, and effectiveness.

·         Assignments:

• Preparation Project: Choose a topic relevant to an upcoming interpretation assignment. Conduct research, create an annotated bibliography, and prepare a mock interpretation plan. Submit a reflection on the preparation process, noting challenges and strategies used.

·  Assignment Title: Interpreting Brief and Research Portfolio Instructions:

·   Choose a field (e.g., health diplomacy, climate policy, refugee law)

·  Identify a real or simulated interpreting assignment (e.g., conference, media interview)

·       Prepare:

·   A contextual brief (summary of event, speaker profile, setting)

·    Bilingual glossary (min. 30 terms with definitions and usage examples)

·  Annotated bibliography (5–7 sources in APA 7 format)

·    Research log (summarizing the preparation process)

Links for Practice (Audio and Videos)

1.    Practice Audio:

o    BBC Radio

o    NPR Podcasts

2.Video Practice:

o    TED Talks for Inspiration