Washback Effect of Compulsory English Examination for Grade XI

Abstract

his study examines the washback effect of the examination of Compulsory English Course prescribed for grade XI. The washback effect of the examinations has been examined in terms of teaching learning process and the extent whether the examination questions asked in the previous examination are according to course objectives or not. The questions asked in the previous examinations (from 2059 to 2061)were collected and analyzed in relation to the course objectives of Compulsory English course for grade XI. Two sets of questionnaires were also prepared for data collection. Population of the study consisted of 40students of grade XI and five subject teachers teaching the course at two different campuses of the valley. Besides, six classes of the teachers teaching this subject were also observed to collect data. The result is that the examinations of Compulsory English course for grade XI have negative washback effect because examinations failed to include practical aspect of the course, do not encourage teachers to teach according to course objectives, mainly focused on teacher centered teaching and no use of instructional materials, enhanced teaching for passing the exam rather than learning the language skills, promoted guess work and represent low content validity.