5-minute definitions for teachers in a hurry: WASHBACK

Summary

In this video, Nico Sifakas discusses 'washback,' the effect high-stakes exams have on teaching and learning. These standardized exams, commonly sought after by students in countries like Brazil, Greece, and Japan, can shape classroom instruction. Washback can be positive when teaching aligns with authentic language skills tested, or negative when it leads to 'teaching to the test.' Teachers, learners, and stakeholders all influence this process. Nico emphasizes that understanding washback helps educators align instruction with desired learning outcomes, especially in a test-driven education environment.

Takeaways

• 🌍 High-stakes exams are standardized tests for certification of proficiency in English, recognized globally.
• 📚 These exams are highly sought after in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Greece, Turkey, China, Japan, and Taiwan.
• 💡 The influence of high-stakes exams on teaching and learning is known as 'washback'.
• ✅ Positive washback occurs when there is alignment between what is taught and what is tested, promoting authentic language use.
• ❌ Negative washback happens when there's a disconnect between instructional goals and test content, often leading to 'teaching to the test'.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers play a central role in interpreting and applying washback, shaping both the content and methods of teaching.
• 📖 Textbooks and course materials often adapt to the demands of high-stakes exams, influencing classroom practices.
• 🎓 Learners and their parents drive the need to prepare for these exams, while administrators and publishers also impact the washback process.
• 🔄 Washback is a reciprocal process, with learners also capable of influencing the teaching and learning dynamic.
• 📝 Well-designed exams that prioritize communicative language use can lead to positive washback, improving learning outcomes.

Q & A

What are high-stakes exams?

High-stakes exams are standardized tests that offer certification of proficiency in subjects like English, widely accepted in professional and academic settings. They are highly sought after by students in various countries.

Which countries typically have large numbers of students preparing for high-stakes exams?

Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Greece, Turkey, China, Japan, and Taiwan have large numbers of students preparing for these exams.

What is washback in the context of teaching and testing?

Washback refers to the influence that testing has on teaching, learning, and assessment. It affects how teachers teach, what they teach, and how learners prepare, both positively and negatively.

What is positive washback?

Positive washback occurs when there is alignment between what is taught and what is tested, encouraging authentic language use. For example, if a test focuses on speaking skills, and the classroom activities reflect this focus, learners benefit from real-world language practice.

What is negative washback?

Negative washback happens when there is a mismatch between instructional goals and test requirements. This often results in 'teaching to the test,' where teachers focus on test preparation at the expense of broader educational goals.

Can you give an example of negative washback?

An example of negative washback is a test that only includes controlled writing tasks, like dictation or fill-in-the-blank exercises, which leads to teaching for linguistic accuracy rather than authentic language use.

Who are the key players involved in washback?

The key players in washback include test developers, examination boards, course book materials developers, teachers, learners, administrators, parents, and other stakeholders in the education process.

Why are teachers central to the washback process?

Teachers are central to the washback process because they interpret, filter, and decide what aspects of the curriculum and course materials to teach. Their choices have a significant influence on the teaching methods and content.

How do learners impact the washback process?

Learners impact the washback process as they are the recipients of instruction and can influence teaching by their needs and expectations. Washback is an interactive process that involves both teachers and learners.

Why is washback an important concept for educators?

Washback is important because it highlights how the testing culture influences teaching and learning. It helps educators reflect on whether their teaching aligns with test requirements and how to improve both learning outcomes and test preparation.