Washback Research in Language Assessment

Washback in Language Assessment

Washback is understood as the effect tests have on teaching and learning, with positive washback producing intended outcomes and negative washback generating unintended effects. By surveying the latest developments in the field and charting future directions, this collection offers a comprehensive treatment of research on washback in the field of language assessment.

The book contains chapters exploring fundamental aspects of washback, including the impact-by-design approach, theoretical models, validity frameworks, research designs, and methods. Additional chapters examine washback across various assessment contexts, covering migration-related proficiency tests, formative and standards-based assessments, multilingual and professional language assessments, and the role of technology, including computer-based testing and AI. The book also surveys washback research in primary, secondary, and higher mainstream education, and shadow education, with a focus on English learning in Asian contexts.

This book will be of interest to scholars and stakeholders in language testing and assessment, educational measurement, and applied linguistics.