A past editor of In Touch, French> English translator Melissa McMahon, left both the magazine and full-time freelancing in 2020 to take up the position of Development and Training Officer at NAATI. Her role involves overseeing the recruitment and training of T&I practitioners to sit on about half of NAATI’s 67 examiner panels. We asked Melissa three quick questions about the selection process.
Melissa at work
1) What does the role of NAATI examiner entail?
The core activities of NAATI examiners are developing test materials and/or assessing test candidates. We provide training for these activities, and also support examiners in applying the test specifications and assessment rubrics. Examiners might also find themselves called on to take part in related activities such as screening role players, assisting in the creation and recording of test materials, assessing intercultural competency, and giving feedback on new training resources. NAATI examiners are motivated by a desire to support the profession and their language communities in a very concrete way. We recently expanded the information about the examiner role that is available on the NAATI website, and it now includes testimonials from existing examiners – you can find the information here.
2) What advice would you give to someone hoping to work as a NAATI examiner?
Ideally NAATI examiners are experienced practitioners who have tertiary qualifications in translation and/or interpreting –or a related field – and also experience in teaching or assessment, but in practice this isn’t always possible. We have screening tasks that are modelled on setting and marking activities, to allow applicants to show their concrete skills in the areas they will be engaged in. When researching the practitioner pool for potential new examiners, one of the things we also look for is industry engagement – AUSIT membership is a plus!
3) Is there a myth about NAATI assessments that you wish more people knew the truth about?
I am not sure what myths are out there, but it’s important to realise that NAATI’s Certification System is an active and ongoing project that we are always monitoring and looking for ways to improve and refine. In 2021 we implemented a Continuous Improvement Program – to ensure the Certification System remains fit for purpose, and gives appropriate support to examiners, candidates and the industry – and to date we have successfully implemented 17 out of its 20 recommendations. One of these is a systematic evaluation of the performance of examiner panels using quantitative and qualitative methods. Fairness is always the top priority for NAATI, and ensuring fairness is the end goal of every part of my work on a day-to-day basis.
