PASSO-A-PASSO PARA SERVIR EM MENTORIA DE TRADUÇÃO
The Consulting Competency Assessment to be adopted by Mali TM is based on the FOBAI Statement of Qualifications for Translation Consultants.
Mali TM competency assessment is based on principles of student-centered pedagogical approaches and involves a process of dialogue between prospective candidates and their mentors. In this dialogue, the candidate and mentor discuss, document, and assess the candidates prior experience and training in areas relevant to translation and consultancy. One dimension of the student-centered approach implemented here is that the candidates, through ongoing dialogue with their mentors, identify their strengths as well as areas of growth.
This approach to competency assessment is individual and contextual. The local context in which the candidate is serving and expects to continue to serve to a great extent defines the necessary set of competencies for effective work in that context. This, in fact, is one of the basic concepts of Competency-Based Theological Education; namely that the context in which the student serves determines what competencies are needed.
This allows for more focused learning and formation, leading to greater effectiveness in that context. This is not done, however, in ignorance of broader sets of competencies that would be needed in other contexts. In fact, one aspect of the MALi MT training sessions will be to introduce the cohort to areas of study beyond their specific set of competencies in order to encourage further learning as part of their continued development.
This further learning is part of the journey of each prospective candidate who desires to work in quality assurance processes in the Bible translation movement. The focused set of competencies provide a solid foundation on which consultants-in-training can work competently and confidently as they continue to serve and learn. If their ministry context changes, additional competencies may come into focus as part of the consultants ongoing formation and learning.
This approach to competency assessment is holistic, taking into account Head, Heart, and Hands. These three dimensions will be described for each competency, recognizing that some competencies may naturally place differing degrees of emphasis on these dimensions. For example, in Interpersonal Skills, the Heart and Hands may be emphasized, whereas Biblical Studies may tend to have a greater Head emphasis. It is important, however, to realize that all three dimensions are essential and must be integrated in every competency. The Biblical Languages competency might seem to emphasize the dimension of the Head, but if that knowledge results in pride or other unhelpful attitudes, it is of minimal relevance in quality assurance processes. Also, the Biblical Languages competency is all about being able to use those languages in helpful ways when interacting with translation teams. This is an essential characteristic of competency-based approaches that highlight the ability someone can demonstrate as they work with others. Knowledge is important, but it must lead to appropriate and helpful use of that knowledge in interaction with others. In other words, it's not about some Head competencies, other Heart competencies, and yet others defined as Hands competencies; there are Head-Heart-Hands dimensions of all competencies.
The competency assessment described here is designed to be consistent with the recommendations of the ETEN Innovation Lab in Quality Assurance.
AREAS OF COMPETENCE
The statements below have links to separate pages with further discussion and greater detail. These pages also include (not yet drafted) a description of what someone needs to be able to do or the skills they need to demonstrate indicating that they've attained the level of competency needed for effective work in quality assurance.
A consultant must be able to listen and learn, relate well with others of different cultural backgrounds, demonstrate sensitivity to different viewpoints, and competently facilitate group dynamics, team discussion, and conflict negotiation.
Translation consultants are expected to have competence in the areas below. Many consultants typically have an advanced degree. Such degrees may not be required when the consultant has demonstrated competence through their experience and effective service.
Intercultural Communication: A consultant should understand and be able to speak at least one language of the region where they are working, demonstrating the ability to understand cultural values, interact appropriately and work effectively with others.