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Washback from Four-Skills English Exams in the Japanese Secondary School Context

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Title: Washback from Four-Skills English Exams in the Japanese Secondary School Context
Language: English
Authors: David Allen (ORCID 0000-0002-3275-331X), Kimie Yamamura, Sayaka Meguro, Takamichi Nakamura
Source: Language Assessment Quarterly. 2024 21(4-5):473-505.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 33
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Secondary Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Testing Problems, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Secondary School Students, College Entrance Examinations, Language Tests, Alignment (Education), Curriculum Design, Teaching Methods, Language Skills, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes
Geographic Terms: Japan
DOI: 10.1080/15434303.2024.2440895
ISSN: 1543-4303
1543-4311
Abstract: The use of four-skills language exams to support the achievement of curriculum goals in Japan is an under-researched yet critical topic. This study focuses on washback from the Cambridge B1 Preliminary and B2 First exams, which were used as fixed-point tests at a senior high school. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing data from teachers and learners, and from tests, documents, surveys, interviews, and observations. Strong negative washback was observed from the Japanese university entrance exams, whereas no such effects were noted for the Cambridge exams, which were perceived as aligned with the curriculum and teaching objectives. The findings are discussed in relation to studies of washback in secondary school contexts worldwide.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1455911
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Washback from Four-Skills English Exams in the Japanese Secondary School Context
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22David+Allen%22">David Allen</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3275-331X">0000-0002-3275-331X</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kimie+Yamamura%22">Kimie Yamamura</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sayaka+Meguro%22">Sayaka Meguro</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Takamichi+Nakamura%22">Takamichi Nakamura</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Language+Assessment+Quarterly%22"><i>Language Assessment Quarterly</i></searchLink>. 2024 21(4-5):473-505.
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  Data: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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  Data: 33
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Secondary+Education%22">Secondary Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1080/15434303.2024.2440895
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  Data: 1543-4303<br />1543-4311
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: The use of four-skills language exams to support the achievement of curriculum goals in Japan is an under-researched yet critical topic. This study focuses on washback from the Cambridge B1 Preliminary and B2 First exams, which were used as fixed-point tests at a senior high school. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, utilizing data from teachers and learners, and from tests, documents, surveys, interviews, and observations. Strong negative washback was observed from the Japanese university entrance exams, whereas no such effects were noted for the Cambridge exams, which were perceived as aligned with the curriculum and teaching objectives. The findings are discussed in relation to studies of washback in secondary school contexts worldwide.
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