Teaching to the Test in the English Language Classroom: Development of a Measurement Instrument

• In Event: Contemporary Learning Environments Research: Measurements and Contexts

Abstract

The assumption that standardized tests might cause washback effects on the learning environment, including language teaching and learning, has become certainty. Practitioners report more frequent “teaching to the test” (TTT), however, in current literature, definitions and operationalizations vary greatly. Further, although TTT supposedly impairs meaningful learning, no study so far has examined students’ perspectives. The current study therefore used a multi-method approach to theoretically and empirically define TTT and develop a uniform measurement, focusing on students’ perceptions. Results suggest that TTT is a multidimensional construct consisting of test preparation practices, but not changes in teaching style. Multilevel analyses showed adequate fit for two equally plausible models, good psychometric properties, and full measurement invariance across gender, first language, and school type.

Authors

• Joy Muth, University of Vienna

• Luisa Grützmacher, University of Vienna

• Melanie Sticha, University of Vienna

• Flora Fassl, University of Vienna

• Marko Lüftenegger, Universität Wien