Investigating washback in Japanese EFL classrooms

Problems of Methodology

Yoshinori Watanabe | International Christian University

In Japan it has long been considered that university entrance exams have a negative impact on teaching and learning of English in schools. Recent research, however, suggests that the relationship between testing and teaching is not so simple and requires finegrained ethnographic research in order to fully understand its complexities. This paper argues the case for the necessity of conducting empirical research before any conclusions about the presence or absence of washback can be drawn. An example of this type of research is offered and the processes involved in investigating washback in the Japanese context are described in such a way as to provide a model for future research in this area.

Published online: 01 January 1996
https://doi.org/10.1075/aralss.13.09wat

Cited by

Cited by 2 other publications

Kubota, Keisuke, Yuichiro Yokouchi & Rie Koizumi

2021. “Assessment Research for the Benefit of Humanity”: An Interview with Randy Thrasher and Yoshinori Watanabe. Language Assessment Quarterly ► pp. 1 ff.

董, 礼

2019. An Analysis of Chinese Test-Takers’Perception of the Interactiveness to Topical Knowledge in IELTS Test. Overseas English Testing: Pedagogy and Research 01:02 ► pp. 70 ff.

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