Discussion Group
A discussion group is a multi-week learning event involving independent and group activities. It provides a space where peers engage in facilitated, deliberate, and ongoing professional reflection and dialog using books, chapters, and other materials relevant to the work of ASL-English interpreters.
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All interpreters are welcome, regardless of the stage of their professional journey - students just starting out or interpreters with decades of experience.
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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 more excellent knowledge and understanding.
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Reflective practice - Talk about the work with colleagues in a structured manner for 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 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 essential 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.
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The Expectations
As a participant, you are expected to...
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Complete all independent materials and reflections before 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 on the discussion and each other. Approach disagreements, offenses, hurt feelings, and conflict professionally.
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The Stimulus
The stimulus changes with each discussion group. Some books, chapters, and materials come from interpreting, and some do not. All stimulus, though, has connections to interpreters' work.
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The upcoming discussions include:
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Necessary Endings: Growth and Boundaries for Interpreters based on Henry Cloud's book
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Beyond the Case: Transforming Case Conferencing through Intentional Gathering based on Priya Parker's book
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The five past discussions were:
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That Little Voice In Your Head based on Mo Gawdat's book
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Woke - Sensitivity or Another-ism? based on John McWhorter's book
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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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