Immediate Washback Of The Innovation In CET-4 Listening Comprehension Test On College English Listening Teaching And Learning

The present study investigates the immediate washback of the innovation in CET-4 listening comprehension test on College English listening teaching and learning. Specifically, it aims to find out whether the innovation in CET-4 listening comprehension test exerts immediate washback on College English listening teaching administration and actual listening teaching and learning practice. A multi-method design is adopted, such as analyzing relevant documents and mock test papers, observing classrooms, questioning and interviewing teachers and students at the case study university. 34 College English teachers and 180 college students from Grade 2005 are involved.The study is conducted respectively from the perspectives of administrators, teachers and students. The findings show that the innovation in CET-4 listening comprehension test has exerted immediate washback on teaching administration, actual teaching and learning practice, perception of teachers and students involved. The major findings are given as follows:First, from the perspective of the administrators in terms of listening teaching and learning, the College of Foreign Languages of the case study university has organized several meetings to inform the teachers of the determined attitudes held by the university towards the innovations in CET-4 test, with special focus on listening. The Teaching Program of the first semester of 2006-2007 Academic Year, designed by the English Teaching and Research Group concerned,obviously places more emphasis on listening teaching and learning than that made before,such as the program of the second semester of 2005-2006 Academic Year. What's more, mock tests taken or to-be-taken at the case study university are organized in a manner identical with the innovated CET-4 test during this semester.Second, from the perspective of the English teachers, the teachers involved have a good understanding of the innovation and the majority of them hold an optimistic view on the possible positive washback of the innovation on the listening teaching and learning. The outcome of classroom observations also proves that the teachers pay more attention to listening teaching in class.Third, from the perspective of the students, the majority of the students recognizes the significance of the innovation and believes that it will yield positive washback on...