Training in Clarification Requests as a Communication Strategy

Toward Effective Use in Real Situations

Abstract

Training in the skill of requesting clarification as a communication strategy was conducted in an intermediate conversation class, including 1) study of prepared materials called "Let's master requests for clarification", 2) advance instructions and follow-up interviews before and after conversation with native speakers in real situations, and 3) completion of a metacognitive training sheet. The educational effect of this practice was evaluated by comparing conversations with native speakers before and after the training program. By comparing changes in the learners' consciousness of use and the number of uses of requests for clarification between two conversation partners, it was revealed that half of the learners became able to use this skill consciously in conversation after the training, and not before the training. It was also found that the learners were able to use requests for clarification in qualitatively more preferable ways and therefore the exchange of conversation became more active in the post-training conversations. However, this practice also showed room for improvement in the educational materials and the study method of the materials, the instruction method for immediately before conversation, and the instruction method in follow-up interviews.