The Effect of Washback on EFL Learners’ Attitudes toward Tests

Abstract

The purpose of this action research was to improve learners’ attitudes towards tests through the implementation of positive washback. This article compares the results obtained by two groups of learners in a secondary school in Southern Chile on the Attitude toward Test Scale (Dodeen, 2008). During the intervention, tests were followed by washback activities for the experimental group. Lessons in which positive washback was sought were observed using a focused observation table in order to track the techniques used. Finally, an in-depth follow-up interview was conducted in order to obtain deeper insights. After implementation, results indicated that the experimental group evidenced a statistically significant improvement in their attitude towards tests.