An Investigation Of The Washback Effect Of The NMET On Senior English Teaching And Learning

Washback, which is an important topic in the field of Applied Linguistics, refers to the impact or influence of language testing on language teaching and learning. Washback is generally considered to have powerful influence on language testing, especially high-stakes tests. The washabck effect is divided into two types:positive washback effect, which can promote the development of language teaching and learning; negative washback effect, which would mislead or even hinder teaching and learning.As a large-scale high-stakes test, National Matriculation English Test is one of the most important foreign language examinations in China, whose washback effect on senior English teaching and learning cannot be underestimated. Researches carried out at home mainly focus on the washback effect of CET-4and CET-6, while the theoretical studies on the washback effect of NMET especially the empirical studies are still obviously insufficient. Take Henan Province as an example, whose number of test-takers in NMET is one of the largest in China, but the washback effect of NMET in this area is not given due attention. Therefore, based on the theories of "Washback Hypotheses" and "A Basic Model of Washback", the present study would be conducted in Henan Province to explore the washback effect of NMET on English teaching and learning in senior high schools.This study employs qualitative and quantitative research methods. All the data are collected from100freshmen and172senior Ⅲ teachers and students in the area of Luoyang through questionnaires, classroom observation and interview. According to the final analysis and results, it can be inferred that: the NMET exerts both positive and negative washback effect on senior English teaching and learning. On the one hand, the NMET motivates teachers and students to pay more efforts and time on English. Through preparing for NMET, students’ English proficiency has been largely improved; on the other hand, the NMET induces the phenomenon of "teaching to the test" and "learning to the test". It also brings about psychological pressure among students, teachers and parents. The results further show that the implementation of the English New Curriculum Reform in Henan Province in2008fails to bring about substantial changes about teachers’ teaching methods and behaviors in SeniorⅢ English class. Finally, some suggestions are put forward in order to maximize the beneficial washback effect of the NMET on senior English teaching and learning.