The effectiveness of the Conversation Analytic Role-Play Method (CARM) on interactional awareness: A feasibility randomized controlled trial with student teachers

Abstract

This study tested the effectiveness of communication skills training intervention CARM (Conversation Analytic Role-play Method) on student teachers at a university in Norway. A feasibility randomized controlled trial (n = 41) found significant positive effects (d = 1.09) of the intervention on interactional awareness. Qualitative and quantitative results from an acceptability and satisfaction questionnaire revealed that the CARM training proves to be a highly appropriate training method in teacher education. This study shows how communication skills training may be implemented and evaluated using controlled experimental designs, and highlights some of the challenges and limitations of RCTs in educational research.