Mind the Gap: A Survey and Critical Analysis of Diversity-Related Competencies and Standards Within ASL/English Interpreter Education
Item
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Title
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Mind the Gap: A Survey and Critical Analysis of Diversity-Related Competencies and Standards Within ASL/English Interpreter Education
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Creator
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Nathan Brown
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Degree Name
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Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies
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Project Type
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Thesis
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Date
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6/1/2023
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Abstract
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In this thesis, American Sign Language/English interpreter educators were surveyed to better understand the institutions where they work and their self-perceived abilities and knowledge as related to their ability to prepare interpreters, with special emphasis on meeting the needs of a diverse student population and preparing them to work in a diverse world. This information was then examined through a framework of Critical Social Theory to review the current situation and where interpreter education needs to continue to develop.
The conclusion and results from the examination of survey data were then compared against other research to create a snapshot of progress made and potential for growth. The results show that interpreter educators have identified broad concepts of gaps in their instruction and that there are some available course materials and institutional support for progress in preparing interpreters to meet the needs of a diverse population. Yet looking critically at the self-assessed competencies, interpreter educators seem to broadly be overestimating their abilities based on incongruency in responses within this study and across other recent research.
Educators and institutions should engage in further self-assessment and training to develop knowledge and awareness of gaps and to develop new skills, new materials, and new approaches for interpreter education. The success of diverse student populations, and of students in general, to be able to meet the needs of a diverse work environment relies on further improvement from educators and institutions.
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Committee Member
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Elisa M. Maroney
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Amanda R. Smith
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Erica West Oyedele
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 10/03/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author by contacting the WOU Library.
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http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
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Language
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eng
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Type
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Text
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Image;StillImage
