The "Backwash Effect" in the English BA Program at the University of Veracruz

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2014 in the subject Didactics - English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, , language: English, abstract: There is now a general consensus on the need of having standardised testing in the language field in order to have accurate information of the students learning process. One common assumption is that teachers will be influenced by the knowledge that their students are planning to take a certain test and will adapt their teaching methodology and lesson content to reflect the test¿s demands; this is what is known as backwash effect. This paper looks at the impact of the Standard Examination at the English BA on teachers and the way they approach classroom instruction.

To address this phenomenon, I used a qualitative research method which allowed me investigate this situation. By interviewing teachers as well as having informal talks I was able to present the current situation in classrooms in this institution so as to have a general view of how a test may impact teaching as well as learning; and this may lead to a better testing approach.