Impact of Matura Exam on Classroom Reading Tests

The study explores the washback effect of the new Matura exam on Grade 12 classroom reading tasks. Analysis of 173 classroom test reading tasks revealed changes in task characteristics post-2008, including reduced presence of distressing topics and improvements in instructions and item quality. Positive outcomes were found such as familiarity with Matura test methods and reduced pressure in test development, though some concerns were raised about narrowing the classroom test construct. Overall, the study highlights the balancing act involved in aligning standardized exams with classroom teaching and testing practices.

• Matura Exam
• Reading Tasks
• Classroom Testing
• Washback Effect
• Task Characteristics

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1. bmbwf.gv.at Matura washback on the classroom testing of reading Doris Fr tscher BMBWF, III/6 Klagenfurt, 19. Oktober 2018

2. bmbwf.gv.at Thestudy RQ: What is the washback of the new Matura exam on the characteristics of Grade 12 classroom-test reading tasks? Data: 173 classroom test reading tasks from 19 EFL teachers 31% of tasks 2001-2008 69% of tasks 2009-2013 Instrument for Analysis of Reading test tasks Contribution: addresses research gap in terms of focus and method Matura washback on the classroom testing of reading 3

3. bmbwf.gv.at Findings Alignment with Matura test methods post-2008 Use of past paper tasks Other changes in task characteristics: Fewer distressing topics Example items Number of items Presence/ clarity of instructions Clarity of items Quality of distracters Sequence of items Construct relevance pre 67% post 45% 28% 18% 17% 11% 8% 4% 3% 2% 0% 0% longer answer matching summary multiple- short- answer true/false types choice Matura washback on the classroom testing of reading 3

4. bmbwf.gv.at Characterisingthewashbackfound positive use of good quality tasks - usefulness (Bachman & Palmer, 1996) student familiarity with Matura test methods reduced pressure to develop tests negative standardized test as model for classroom tests narrowing of the classroom test construct excludes other valid task types partly intended (Ministry guidelines + regulations) Matura washback on the classroom testing of reading 4

5. bmbwf.gv.at A balancing act Standardized exam - Curriculum & CEFR - Constructs and competences - Test methods Assessment literacy awareness commitment Classroom teaching and testing - Curriculum & CEFR - Constructs and competences - Methods Matura washback on the classroom testing of reading 5