An Empirical Research On The Washback Of Authentic Extracurricular Activities On College English Learning And Teaching

Well-organized English extracurricular activity can function as both complement fortraditional English class and new form of language test. Hence, the influence and value ofactivity should be discussed. However, compared with classroom teaching, Englishextracurricular activity is short-term, casual and not systematic, which lead to the ignoranceof its value for language teaching. Besides, lack of theoretical framework makes it difficult toexamine the existence value of English extracurricular activity. Many researchers focus on thestudy of authenticity in traditional language classroom, but less attention on extracurricularactivity.The thesis, taking English tour guide activity as example, is aimed at investigating theinfluences of authentic English extracurricular activity, depending on Washback theories intesting, utilizing comparatively mature theories in this field--15Washback Hypotheses andparticipant-process-product pattern. Through questionnaire survey and in-depth interview ofteacher, student and enterprise, the thesis analyzes the influences on learning interests,language proficiency, as well as classroom participation. Meanwhile, instructor teacherschange teaching methods and materials influenced by the activity. However, data presents thatincentive, anxiety and time allocation problems are caused by activity, which mismatchintended Washback. Reasons are discussed respectively in the thesis.The research findings indicate that authenticity in English extracurricular activitystimulates learner’s interests, awareness and autonomy. Authentic social interaction is morethan authentic materials, but also refers to authentic language environment, authentic learningprocess, authentic communicative purpose and participants. Therefore, authentic Englishextracurricular activity can be considered as the complementary part for traditional languageclass and assistance for traditional language test to expand the effectiveness of classroomteaching and learning to realize the improvement of English proficiency and integrateddevelopment of learners.