Negative washback occurs in
situations where there may be a mismatch between the stated goals of instruction and the focus of assessment
; it may lead to the abandonment of instructional goals in favor of test preparation. …
What is backwash effect in assessment?
Backwash effect is usually defined as
the impact of assessment on learning and teaching
. Backwash effect is positive if the assessment results in favorable changes in learning and teaching strategies; and it is negative if the changes are undesired and discourage students from adopting a deep approach to learning.
What is harmful backwash?
Harmful backwash takes place
when the contents and format of the test are not congruent to the objectives of the course
or when certain skills are tested with, for example, a multiple choice item format that results in the idea of giving a lot of practice in this type of test instead of practicing the skill itself.
How do I stop negative backwash?
One way to avoid negative washback is
through instructional planning that links teaching and testing
. By selecting an assessment that reflects your instructional and program goals, you can more closely align testing with instruction.
What is backwash in language testing?
Backwash or washback refers to
the influence or reaction of testing on teaching
(including teaching and learning) in the field of education. … Huhges defines backwash as “the impact of language testing on teaching and learning”, and points out that language testing can have good or bad effects on teaching and learning.
Who is the backwash effect for?
The backwash effect (also known as the washback effect) is
the influence that a test has on the way students are taught
(e.g. the teaching mirrors the test because teachers want their students to pass). The washback effect is the outcome of a test or an examination which results either in positive or in a negative way.
What is Washback effect example?
Washback is generally perceived as being either negative (harmful) or positive (beneficial). … Positive washback is said to result when a testing procedure encourages ‘good’ teaching practice; for example, an
oral proficiency test
is introduced in the expectation that it will promote the teaching of speaking skills.
What is spread effect and backwash effect?
The spread effect is the spatial equivalent of trickle-down economics. … ‘Generally, spread effects are the positive effects of urban proximity for communities, and backwash effects are
the negative consequences of proximity
.
Why is a Washback important?
To students, washback
helps them know their strengths and weaknesses in order to work further and achieve their goals
. Therefore, it is possible to have positive or negative effects from washback depending on each situation. A test task with multiple choices is an example.
What is alternative assessment of learning?
Alternative assessment—which also is referred to as classroom-based, qualitative, informal, or performance assessment—is
a way to gauge student learning other than formal testing
.
What is validity assessment?
Validity is commonly understood as
referring to the outcomes of an assessment
and whether the evidence known about the assessment supports the way in which the results are used. Test users need to be sure that the particular assessment they are using is appropriate for the purpose they have identified.
How can I make my backwash positive?
- Counting the cost.
- Where necessary, provide assistance to teachers.
- Test the abilities whose development you want to encourage.
- Ensure the test is known and understood by students and teacher.
- Sample widely and unpredictable.
- Base achievement test on objectives.
- Use direct testing.
How can backwash be beneficial?
Backwash is beneficial
when preparation for the test influences all teaching and learning activities
because the stakes are high and can have an implication in the institution’s decisions or objectives in benefit of the students’ learning.
What is Washback or backwash?
Washback or backwash, also known as
measurement-driven instruction
, is a common term in applied linguistics referring to the influence of testing on teaching and learning, which is a prevailing phenomena in education.
What is the difference between Washback and impact?
Washback is more frequently used to refer to the effects of tests on teaching and learning at the classroom level. Impact refers to the effects that a test may have on
individuals
, policies, or practices, within the classroom, the school, the educational system, or the society as a whole.
What is authenticity in language testing?
They define authenticity “
as the degree of correspondence of a given language test task to the features of a TLU task”
(Bachmann and Palmer 1996: 23). … Other definitions of authenticity are rather similar.
