A Study On The Washback Effect Of PRETCO On Test Takers In Vocational Colleges

Washback often refers to the impact tests have on language teaching and learning, which can be positive or negative. Recents years have witnessed a vast store of theoretical and empirical researches on the effects of washback. However, the domestic research related to washback effect is of a comparatively recent scope and great emphasis has been placed upon CET and NMET while the researches specific to PRETCO are far from sufficient. Hence, the present study tends to probe into the washback effect of PRETCO on test takers in junior colleges.As is known, PRETCO is the only large-scale standardized language tests targeting at test takers in vocational colleges in China. Referring to the current literature on washback both at home and abroad, especially the research models proposed by Hughes and Bailey and Alderson and Wall's Hypothesis, the author carried out a preliminary study investigating washback effect of PRETCO.The findings arising from the present study indicate that PRETCO does exert influence on English learning process. To put it differently, PRETCO gives a comparatively comprehensive measure of test takers'language proficiency in vocational colleges. It produces certain stimuli and motivation in language learning while some average or below-average students may be inclined to lose interests in language learning resulting from test anxiety.This study is expected to add to the existing literature on washback effect and to provide new insights into language teaching and language testing. Based on the present study, some implications for language teachers and administrative authority have been put forward to bridge the gap between implementation of college English curriculum innovation and test reform in junior colleges and ultimately lead to an improvement of PRETCO design and classroom teaching.