CHUENJIT ATHIWORAKUN -
DUMRONG ADUNYARITTIGUN (Thammasat University)

INVESTIGATING WASHBACK EFFECTS OF AN EXIT EXAMINATION ON LEARNING : LANGUAGE TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

The impact of high-stakes tests on teaching and learning has featured in language testing research in Thailand. However, washback effects of exit examinations on learning have been overlooked. Therefore, further washback research on learning at college level is necessary to diversify the literature. This study aimed to investigate the washback effects of the Srinakharinwirot University Standardized English Test (SWU-SET), an exit examination for undergraduate students, on learning English. The research question was as follows: What are the washback effects of the SWU-SET on learning? A mixed-methods design was utilized to answer the research question. The participants were 4,000 first-year students who were enrolled in foundational English courses at a public university in Bangkok. They were asked to complete a 45-item questionnaire to elicit their awareness of the washback of such a test on learning. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 participants to be interviewees. The main findings show that the SWU-SET had influences on the students' awareness of learning English for communication and on their motivation to learn English. This study suggests that teachers should help students understand the connection between assessments and learning. This understanding can empower students to recognize their strengths and weaknesses in English language learning.

A lecturer at Srinakharinwirot University. Her research interests include washback studies, language assessment, and English language teaching.

An associate professor in the Department of English, Thammasat University, Thailand. His research interests include reading comprehension, self-perception and motivation to read, language assessment, and critical literacy to promote peace.