A Primary Research On The Washback Of HSK(Level 2) In Italy

Language test is an important part in foreign language teaching and language learning, because it is an effective way to check the teaching quality and to collect feedbacks. Foreign studies on language test have formed comprehensive theoretical system, while domestic researches on Chinese as the second language like HSK are far from mature since it is a rather recent appearance. Therefore, it is significant to strengthen researches on HSK, as the number of foreign students taking this exam is increasing. By investigating the situation of HSK(level 2) in Confucius Institute in Pisa, this study looks forward to offering feedbacks to HSK and proposes corresponding suggestions.The author volunteered as a Chinese teacher in Confucius Institute in Pisa(Italy) for one and half years. In this duration, questionnaires were randomly delivered to participants in HSK in March and June, 2014. 6 students, 7 Chinese teachers from China and 1 Italian officer who managed the HSK there were interviewed. Based on those data, an overview of new HSK’s status quo in Toscana District and Confucius Institute in Pisa is drawn up.Investigation results show that HSK examinees usually have specific purposes and multiple ways of preparation. The quantity of positive feedbacks of HSK is nearly equal to that of the negative. Tests, to a large extent, can reflect students’ language level. Wash back effects on students’ learning and teachers’ class planning are found. However, due to some limiting objective factors and the drawbacks of HSK, positive effects on Chinese teaching are not well functioned. Objective factor include lacking of learning materials, relation between teaching and examination, etc.. Problems of HSK include huge gap between Level 2 and Level 3 and neglect of the importance of speaking.Therefore, in order to promote HSK, several suggestions are proposed: enriching the HSK database, enhancing training programs, and employing multiple methods on teaching and testing regulations. Besides, the gap among different levels of new HSK should be appropriately formulated. Furthermore, HSK needs to adopt HSKK as an important part.