A Qualitative Study of Washback Effects of MSRT Test on Iranian PhD Candidates’ Attitudes toward English Language Learning Skills
Subject Areas : Journal of Studies in Learning and Teaching EnglishNafiseh Lashgari 1 , Samad Mirza Suzani 2
1 - English Language Department, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
2 - Department of Foreign Languages, Marvdasht branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran.
Keywords: High-stakes tests, Language testing, MSRT, Washback effect,
Abstract :
In Iran, the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) examination is a high-stakes test that has the potential to cause varying levels of washback at both individual and societal levels. Despite its significance for candidates, there appears to be insufficient emphasis on investigating the washback, particularly the impact of MSRT on the English language learning skills of Iranian candidates. Thus, the current research aimed to investigate the modifications that Iranian doctoral students regarded as more advantageous in utilizing the MSRT module for the purpose of English education. With this objective in mind, a survey based on the MSRT washback was administered to a group of 150 PhD students selected from Islamic Azad universities located in Shiraz and Marvdasht, who varied in terms of their gender, age, and field of study. A mixture of stratified and convenience sampling methods was employed to choose the study participants. In the second stage of the research, a purposive sampling approach was used to select 30 PhD candidates from the same population to participate in the semi-structured interviews. The findings from the data analysis revealed both favorable and unfavorable consequences of MSRT washback. In addition, it was observed that MSRT preparation did not adequately equip the students with English listening and speaking skills, which are crucial for their academic English needs, in contrast to their reading and writing capabilities.
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