Washback
Washback is “the effect of testing on teaching and learning”, whether good or bad. If washback is positive students being motivated to study more in order to attain a higher score in the test should be considered positive. However, negative backwash is also clearly in evidence too.
Washback from KET has been focused in term of its effect on both teaching and learning in the preparation to achieve a high score. The washback can be both positive and negative.
Positive +
- It can be offers a chance to find out your strengths and weaknesses in using English.
- Give you the confidence to use English in real situations.
- The test taker is used for applying to be a teacher using English language.
- The KET is a truly international certificate, recognized around the world for business and study purposes and thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognize KET as a basic qualification in English.
Negative –
- The student’s teachers stated that they had lost autonomy in curriculum decision making and were concerned about the teaching and learning becoming limited and confined to subjects that were testable.