Washback Effect of the Achievement Test on English Teaching in Senior Secondary Vocational Schools in Beijing

Abstract

Assessment reform has been one of the major concerns of English teaching reform in senior secondary vocational schools in China. The Achievement Test on English Teaching in senior secondary vocational schools in Beijing was launched in June 2015 to better assess the effects of English teaching and learning in senior secondary vocational schools. Students who have completed the basic module of the English course take the test. This paper reviews briefly the history of achievement test, discusses the research on washback at home and abroad, and analyses the structure and components of the achievement test carried out in Beijing. It focuses on the washback effect of the achievement test in particular by comparing and contrasting the expected effect of the test with the real feelings and behaviors of teachers, thus providing implications for English teaching and learning. This paper concludes with the observation that while the achievement test has a number of positive effects, efforts nonetheless need to be made to prevent any potential negative effects.

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