Study On The Washback Effect Of Revised CET-4 On College English Communicative Approach

Washback is an important phenomenon in language testing, which refers to the effect a certain test exerts upon teaching and learning. Although it is relatively a new field, washback in recent years has occupied an increasingly important place in the research of language testing.CET-4, as a large scale standardized test, is intended to evaluate students' English proficiency. With the development of China's modernization, language learners' communicative competence are required to meet the social needs. However, the traditional CET-4 attached great importance to learners' language knowledge rather than overall ability. Hence, improving learners' comprehensive English ability has become the primary task of College English education. In order to guarantee the implementation of such a teaching objective, the Designing Committee of National College English Test has reformed CET-4 in June, 2005.The present study investigates the washback of the revised CET-4 on Communicative Approach to teaching. Specifically, it aims to find out whether the revised CET-4 exerts positive washback on college English classroom teaching and learning practices. A multi-method design is adopted, such as questioning, observing classroom activities and unstructured interviewing students. 16 English teachers and 84 students are involved in the study, altogether 4 classes are observed in the research, including both freshmen and sophomores.The study is conducted respectively from the perspectives of teachers and students. The findings show that the revision of CET-4 has exerted positive washback on improving comprehensive English proficiency and communicative competence, specifically, on teaching method, actual teaching and learning practices, perception of teachers and students involved. The major findings are given as follows:Firstly, from the perspective of English teachers, the teachers involved have a good understanding of the CET-4 revision, and the majority hold an optimistic view of the washback on communicative approach. The outcome of the classroom observation also proves that the teachers pay more attention to cultivating students' language use ability such as listening comprehension and oral English.Secondly, from the perspective of the students, the majority of them recognize the true significance of the revision of CET-4 and goal of college English study. They also show more interests in improving their communicative competence.