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LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

Tutorial Question

Washback enhances a number of basic principles of

language acquisition: intrinsic motivation, autonomy,
self-confidence, language ego, inter-language, and
strategic investment, among others (page 38)
In a group, discuss the connection between washback
and the general principles of language learning and
teaching, namely; intrinsic motivation, autonomy and
self-confidence.

Washback is...

Testing effects of teaching

and learning
Positive effects
Negative effects
-

Autonomy...
The ability to take control of one's own
learning, independently or in collaboration
with others
(British Council, 2006).

The connection...
CONNECTION BETWEEN WASHBACK AND
AUTONOMY
1. Seek opportunities to practice outside the
classroom
2. Reflect on their progress
3. Set their own goals

Connection between washback and learners autonomy

Preparation time before the test can contribute to wash

back since the learner is reviewing and focusing on
the objectives in questions (study entirely on their
own)

FOR TEACHER: Teaching them how to use tools/

resources of learning such as dictionaries and websites
can encourage autonomy.

Connection between washback and learners autonomy

After the test, students can discover their areas of

strength and weakness on their own (selfassessment). They are responsible for their own
learning.

FOR TEACHER: Asking the question, Could the

learners do this for themselves? about any
activity planned for class will help create the conditions
for the development of greater learner autonomy in
class.

Connection between washback and learners autonomy

Students use test results as a guide to setting goals

for their future effort (determine the direction of
their own learning).

FOR TEACHER: Give them more space and time to

improve.
Guide them, DO NOT judge them.

Connection between washback and learners autonomy

Peer discussion of the test results may also be an

alternative to simply listening to the teacher tell
everyone what they got right and wrong and
why(independent learning)

Intrinsic Motivation
Theundertakingofanactivity,asa hobby,
withoutexternalincentive;also,
personalsatisfactionderivedthrough selfinitiatedachievement
(Dictionary.com)

Connection between washback and intrinsic motivation

Positive washback will make the students feel satisfy of

their performance.
It will also provide them with the inner drive to keep on
progressing and improving on their performance.

Self-confidence is...

Self-confidence is the belief in

oneself and abilities, it describes an
internal state made up of what we
think and feel about ourselves.

Connection between washback and self confidence

A test can either increase self

confidence or pull it down for teachers
to teach and pupils to learn in the future
The existence of washback is to declare
that tests can be strong indicators, both
positively and negatively, of what takes
place in classrooms. (Wall & Alderson,
1993, p. 41)

Washback effects towards self-confidence in learning.

Positive effects

Negative effects

1. Learn from their mistakes and reflect

on their progress

1. Fear of making mistakes and failures

2. Positive interaction and participation

in the classroom

2. Not participative in classroom

activities

3. Know their weakness and improve on

it

3. Become disinterested in their studies

Washback effects towards self-confidence in teaching.

Positive effects

Concentrate on other
pupils who are weaker
Use the same common
teaching strategies for
enrichment
Focus on improving
study skills

Negative effects

Time are spent on

continues drilling
Keep changing
teaching strategies to
suit the pupils
Spend time on
counselling session to
improve emotional
skill