A Preliminary Study On The CET4 Washback On College English Teaching And Learning

Washback refers to the impact of tests have on teaching and learning. Although it is a relatively new field in language testing, much theoretical and empirical research has been done in order to gain insights into this complicated phenomenon.CET4 is a large-scale foreign language test established for over 20 years in China. As a high-stake national test taken by most college students, it is always the focus of heated discussions. However, little empirical research has been conducted on washback effect of CET4.The present study is intended to explore CET4 washback on College English teaching and learning. The investigation involves 60 college English teachers and 100 undergraduates in Three Gorges University in Yichang, Hubei province and resorts to two research methods: questionnaires and interviews. Five main findings arise from the results reported in the investigation: first, a large majority of college English teachers and students believe that CET4 exerts more positive washback than negative one on college English teaching and learning. Second, CET 4 influence what teachers teach and how teachers teach, and what learners learn and how learners learn. Third, CET4-SET does not have as much impact as expected on College English learning and teaching. Fourth, College English teachers and students hold different views on CET4 preparation courses. Fifth, most teachers and students are in favor of the new CET4.Based on the results reported in the investigation, the author analyses positive and negative washback of CET4 and puts forward some strategies for promoting positive one, both for teachers and students, such as improving teaching method and learning strategies in fostering English proficiency and positive washback.