The Washback Effect Of PRETCO On English Teaching And Learning In Higher Vocational Colleges

Washback effects generally refer to the influence that tests have on both teaching and learning. According to the nature and extent of its impact, washback effects can be divided into two kinds, positive and negative. Positive washback effects could sponsor the teaching and learning whereas the negative ones obstruct them. Large numbers of researches have been conducted on washback effects by foreign scholars from theory to practice, and the research results have not only enriched the testing theories but also directed teaching and learning. However, in China, empirical studies on washback effects are relatively inadequate, and they are, if any, mainly on the washback effects of CET-4 and CET-6. The study on the washback effect of PRETCO (Practical English Test for Colleges) on English teaching and learning in higher vocational colleges is basically an infant.As is known to all, PRETCO is the only large-scale standardized language test approved by Ministry of Education, which aims at examining candidates'English knowledge and language skills as well as the use of English for general business and communication abilities in vocational colleges in China. PRETCO is intended primarily for the students of higher vocational colleges, normal colleges and institutes of adult education. It was on a trial basis since 1998, and officially implemented in 2000. Distinct from the general higher education, higher vocational education aims to train application-oriented and skilled workers for the society, and occupies a very important position in China's economic construction. However, different from university students, vocational college students are not enthusiastic about learning; and their learning motivation and learning objectives are not clear. Besides, they are lack of self-confidence. Therefore, it is critically necessary to study this large group of students so as to provide necessary theoretical assistance for English teachers in vocational colleges.This thesis attempts to study the washback effect of PRETCO on vocational college English teaching by adopting the empirical study. Based on the study results both at home and abroad, which are of both innovative and positive significance, the present study aims to investigate the existence and nature of the impact of PRETCO on vocational college English teaching and learning, and tries to find the effective ways of enhancing the positive washback effects.This study puts forward the theoretical framework and research focus based on the model that proposed by Hughes (1993: 2) and Bailey (1996: 262), as well as Alderson and Wall's 15 Washback Hypothesis(Alderson and Wall, 1993: 120). Both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been adopted with three kinds of instruments have been employed in this research: class observations, interviews and questionnaires. The research has been conducted with 20 English teachers and 120 students from Shandong Vocational College of Industry and Zibo Vocational Institute. Then the EXCEL 2003 and SPSS 13.0 are employed to process and analyze the collected data.The results of the study reveal that PRETCO does have a considerable impact on every aspect of vocational college English teaching and learning, and the impact levels are diverse. The teachers change their teaching curricular plans and instructions to a certain degree in order to help the students pass the test. The students also adjust their studying and learning methods in order to gain high scores in PRETCO. The washback effect mainly demonstrate in four aspects: teaching materials, teaching objects, teaching process and teaching methods. In order to help the students pass the exam, the training in language skills, teaching content and teaching activities reflect different degrees of washback. PRETCO also has a considerable impact on students'learning behavior, learning concepts, learning content and learning methods.Although this study find the existence of certain negative effects on English teaching, the washback of PRETCO is largely beneficial to the vocational college English teaching and learning.Based on the results of the study, additional empirical complementary to the study of washback effects in the field of foreign language education are provided by the author. He also explores the relationships between PRETCO and vocational college English education reform, and puts forward a number of means on how to maximize the beneficial impact of PRETCO.