Washback-is-an-interesting-phenomenon-in-testing-and-evaluation--Washback-can-either-be-positive-or-negative--naWhat-is-positive-and-negative-washback-nbState-3-groups-of-people-andor-things-that-will-be-affected-by-washback-Describe-how-they-may-be-

a) Positive washback refers to the beneficial impact of a test on teaching and learning. It means that the test is aligned with the curriculum and promotes meaningful learning. Negative washback, on the other hand, refers to the adverse effects of a test on teaching and learning. It means that the test is not aligned with the curriculum, and it promotes superficial learning or test-taking strategies.

b) Three groups of people and/or things that are affected by washback are:

1. Teachers: Teachers are affected by washback because they have to adjust their teaching methods and materials to suit the test. Positive washback can motivate teachers to improve their teaching, while negative washback can demotivate them and lead to teaching to the test.

2. Students: Students are affected by washback because they have to prepare for the test and perform well to achieve their goals. Positive washback can enhance their learning and provide them with a sense of achievement, while negative washback can create anxiety and stress and undermine their motivation and confidence.

3. Curriculum: The curriculum is affected by washback because the test can influence what is taught and how it is taught. Positive washback can ensure that the curriculum is relevant and meaningful, while negative washback can distort the curriculum and narrow its scope.

c) Washback is related to the validity of a test because it affects the extent to which the test measures what it intends to measure. If the test has positive washback, it means that it is aligned with the curriculum and promotes meaningful learning, which enhances its content validity. If the test has negative washback, it means that it is not aligned with the curriculum and promotes superficial learning or test-taking strategies, which undermines its content validity. Therefore, washback can provide evidence for or against the validity of a test.