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Exploring Saudi Students’ Perceptions of National Exams: A Washback Study

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  • Ahmad Alsagoafi

    (King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Research on washback and impact of tests (either positive or negative) on teaching and learning in the language assessment field has proliferated in approximately the last three decades. This study aims to explore the positive washback of the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT) based on the perceptions of secondary school students in Saudi Arabia since this topic is underresearched in the literature. While the existing research has provided insight into the validity and reliability of these tests, we have a limited understanding of how these tests can positively impact the performance of students. In this qualitative study, data were collected from 103 participants using a case study approach through the means of semistructured questionnaires and semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed inductively by employing a computer program called NVivo. The results of the study showed that the participants were positively influenced by the test. This impact was manifested in students’ low pressure test-taking experiences, their successful honing of soft skills needed for future university study instead of reliance merely on indoctrination or the memorization of information and the feasibility of enrollment in universities because the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) is no longer the sole indicator of academic performance. Students’ scores increased due to the method of testing, test preparation and test retaking, which played key roles in promoting score gains and thus accentuating a positive washback.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahmad Alsagoafi, 2021. "Exploring Saudi Students’ Perceptions of National Exams: A Washback Study," Revista romaneasca pentru educatie multidimensionala - Journal for Multidimensional Education, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 13(1Sup1), pages 213-234, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:lum:rev1rl:v:13:y:2021:i:1sup1:p:213-234
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/13.1Sup1/393
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. M. M. Sulphey & Nasser Saad Al-Kahtani & Abdul Malik Syed, 2018. "Relationship between admission grades and academic achievement," Post-Print hal-01829634, HAL.
    2. M. M. Sulphey & Nasser Saad Al-Kahtani & Abdul Malik Syed, 2018. "Relationship between admission grades and academic achievement," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 5(3), pages 648-658, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    GAT & SAAT; Positive washback; Soft skills; Case study; High-stakes tests;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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