INVISTIGATING THE WASHBACK EFFECT OF TESTING ON TEACHING AND LEARNING PRACTICES
Keywords:
Washback Effect, Assessment Practices, High-Stakes Testing, Communicative Competence, Language Learning Motivation, Curriculum Alignment, Formative Assessment.Abstract
Assessment has the power to shape what and how learners study and how teachers deliver instruction. This study examines the washback effect—both positive and negative—resulting from testing practices in language classrooms. While effective assessment can motivate students, guide learning, and improve instructional quality, poorly designed tests often narrow curricula, encourage memorization, and reduce student creativity. This research explores the conditions under which washback contributes to meaningful learning and proposes strategies for promoting beneficial assessment-driven reform. The findings highlight the need for alignment between test content, instructional goals, and real-world communicative competencies to ensure that testing supports rather than restricts effective education.
