论考试后效

Some Reflections on Washback

考试常用于促进教学、推动改革，但作用如何却是一个颇具争议的话题。本文结合国内外有关实证研究，分析考试后效的形成，讨论考试与教学之间的关系，并由此得出结论：考试的促教促学作用有限，主要原因是考试和教学有不同的功能、目的和特点；为了克服考试的消极影响，应该对考试后效进行深入全面的研究。

Scholars differ about whether tests are a good instrument for improving teaching and learning, although they are often used for this purpose. An examination of the origin of test washhaek and relevant empirical studies leads to a conclusion that tests are a blunt instrument for promoting reforms in teaching. This is mainly because testing and teaching possess different characteristics and serve different functions. It is thus highly desirable to carry out further research on the impact of testing and tests on teaching and learning.