2. Definition of washback
• Backwash is the effect that tests have on
learning and teaching. (Hughes, 2003, p.
53)
• The influence of testing on teaching and
learning. (Chang, Watanabe & Curtis, 2004,
p. 4)
3. Positive effect of washback
• Good teaching and learning tasks are
more directly useable for testing
purposes.
• Quality of the washback effect might
be independent of the quality of a test.
4. Negative effect of washback
• Anxiety among learners.
• Poor tests (something teachers and learners do not
wish to learn) have negative effect on teaching and
learning.
• Time spent on teaching testing skills rather than on
teaching the language
• Curriculum is controlled by examinations: teaching
to the test thus narrowing the curriculum
5. What can be done to achieve beneficial
washback
• Test the abilities whose development you want to
encourage
• Make testing criterion-referenced
• Base achievement tests on objectives
• Ensure the test is known and understood by students
and teachers
• Where necessary provide assistance to teachers
• Counting the cost
