Yi-Ching Pan*
The university of Melbourne, Australia
Received 4 February 2009
Abstract. The way in which examinations influence teaching and learning is commonly described
as “washback” or “backwash”. A number of definitions have been proposed for the term
“washback” throughout the published research and literature on language testing. This study starts
with a focus on the various definitions of backwash or washback. Next, it examines the similar
concept terms defined by other researchers. By reviewing the variety of definitions, the
researcher’s own view of washback will be reached. Comes after that are the explorations of
different types of washback. The studies ends with drawing pedagogical implications for EFL
teachers.
1. Introduction*
It is a common belief that testing affects
teaching and learning, as stated by Alderson
and Wall (1993 [1]) that “tests are held to be
powerful determiners of what happens in
classroom”. The way in which examinations
influence teaching and learning is commonly
described as “washback” or “backwash”. A
number of definitions have been proposed for
the term “washback” throughout the published
research and literature on language testing.
This study starts with a focus on the various
definitions of backwash or washback. Next, it
examines the similar concept terms defined by
other researchers. By reviewing the variety of
definitions, the researcher’s own view of
washback will be reached. Comes after that are
the explorations of different types of washback.
The studies ends with drawing pedagogical
implications for EFL teachers.
______
2. Definitions of Washback
The notion of “washback” is prevalent in
language teaching and testing literature, but it is
seldom found in dictionaries. Some writers used
the term “washback” while others preferred
“backwash” to describe the effects or influences
brought by tests or examinations. Below, the
definitions by various researchers are arranged
under the groupings of (a) backwash or (b)
washback.
2.1. Backwash
- Hughes (1989:1): “The effect of testing on
teaching and learning” is known as backwash.
- Spolsky (1994 [2]): The concept of
backwash deals with the unforeseen side-effects
of testing and not to the intended effects when
the primary goal of the examination is the
control of curricula.
- Biggs (1995 [3]): Backwash refers to the
fact that testing controls not only the curriculum
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The university of Melbourne, Australia
Received 4 February 2009
Abstract. The way in which examinations influence teaching and learning is commonly described
as “washback” or “backwash”. A number of definitions have been proposed for the term
“washback” throughout the published research and literature on language testing. This study starts
with a focus on the various definitions of backwash or washback. Next, it examines the similar
concept terms defined by other researchers. By reviewing the variety of definitions, the
researcher’s own view of washback will be reached. Comes after that are the explorations of
different types of washback. The studies ends with drawing pedagogical implications for EFL
teachers.
1. Introduction*
It is a common belief that testing affects
teaching and learning, as stated by Alderson
and Wall (1993 [1]) that “tests are held to be
powerful determiners of what happens in
classroom”. The way in which examinations
influence teaching and learning is commonly
described as “washback” or “backwash”. A
number of definitions have been proposed for
the term “washback” throughout the published
research and literature on language testing.
This study starts with a focus on the various
definitions of backwash or washback. Next, it
examines the similar concept terms defined by
other researchers. By reviewing the variety of
definitions, the researcher’s own view of
washback will be reached. Comes after that are
the explorations of different types of washback.
The studies ends with drawing pedagogical
implications for EFL teachers.
______
2. Definitions of Washback
The notion of “washback” is prevalent in
language teaching and testing literature, but it is
seldom found in dictionaries. Some writers used
the term “washback” while others preferred
“backwash” to describe the effects or influences
brought by tests or examinations. Below, the
definitions by various researchers are arranged
under the groupings of (a) backwash or (b)
washback.
2.1. Backwash
- Hughes (1989:1): “The effect of testing on
teaching and learning” is known as backwash.
- Spolsky (1994 [2]): The concept of
backwash deals with the unforeseen side-effects
of testing and not to the intended effects when
the primary goal of the examination is the
control of curricula.
- Biggs (1995 [3]): Backwash refers to the
fact that testing controls not only the curriculum
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