Note-Taking for Consecutive Interpretation

This short, three-module course, taught by Middlebury Institute Professor Laura Burian, will teach you handwritten note-taking principles, methods, and skills that will rapidly elevate your consecutive interpretation technique.

This noncredit course is adapted from coursework in our translation and interpretation master’s degrees.

Learn Online on Your Schedule
Note-Taking for Consecutive Interpretation is a completely online, asynchronous, and self-paced course. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to learn on your own time, from anywhere in the world.

An Essential Primer for Interpreters
In this highly visual course, you will learn:

• Key concepts and definitions, interpretation skills, the role of notes, memory skills, learning styles, and speech types.

• Tools to support listening, memory, and analysis, including how to select keywords and organize content.

• What and when to note.

• Abbreviations, symbols, negatives, numbers, and verb tenses, and how to incorporate them into notes.

• Primary elements of layout, including chunking content into meaning units, and the placement of various elements on the page.

• How to practice each skill in isolation, in combination, and independently beyond the course.

Whether you are just getting started on your interpretation career or you’re a seasoned pro, this course will help you boost your productivity and efficiency.

Course Specifics

• Type / Modality: Online

• Estimated completion time: 5-7 hours

• Number of modules: 3

• Activities and content: Video lessons, readings, deliberate note-taking practice, short knowledge checks, and self-reflection activities

• Requirements:

  • Networked computer with access to either Google Docs or Microsoft Word/Sharepoint for auto-transcription generation

  • Headset or good microphone

  • Recording device

  • Pens in two different colors

  • Stenography pad or digital tablet with a digital pen

• Completion rewards: After you successfully complete this course, you’ll earn a certificate of completion and a badge to share on your social media profiles and with current and potential employers.