The washback effect of the general aptitude test on students’ attitudes and their learning of Arabic

Many educational bureaucracies use national examinations for high-stake decision-making including certification, promotion, and qualifications. This study examines the washback effect of one of those exams, known as the General Aptitude Test (GAT), on the students’ learning of the Arabic language. Specifically, it examines students’ perceptions of the GAT and how it impacted their learning practice. Based on questionnaire responses from 548 high school students, and 12 interviews, the study finds a negative washback effect on students’ perceptions and learning. Most students expressed negative views about the GAT as it causes stress, and they perceive that it is a barrier to their university admission. In terms of using the GAT results, findings reveal that many students did not change their learning due to the mismatch between test content, learning, and teaching activities. This study provides important evidence about students, perceptions of and influence of GAT on their learning. We discuss the implications of these findings in minimizing the negative washback effect.