EFL teachers’ cognition of social and psychological consequences of high-stake national language tests: role of teacher training workshops

Abstract

Consequential validity, a facet of construct validity, has been extensively explored by educational psychologists and scholars focused on English language assessment. It is widely recognized that English language instructors must possess a thorough understanding of high-stake language tests. However, the body of research concerning EFL teachers’ perceptions of high-stake tests is quite limited. This study aims to delve into the cognitions of Iranian EFL teachers regarding the social and psychological ramifications of high-stake English language tests. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of a teacher training workshop on EFL teachers’ perceptions of test consequences. The research employs a two-phase quantitative research design. A total of 210 EFL teachers participated in the survey, completing a scale comprising 25 items that delineated their perceptions of test consequences. Furthermore, thirty teachers engaged in a two-session workshop focused on test consequences. Data analysis encompassed both one-sample and paired-sample t tests. The results reveal that EFL teachers possess knowledge regarding certain social and psychological consequences of language tests; however, their awareness of some adverse consequences remains limited. Notably, the outcomes indicate that teacher training workshops have a positive impact on teachers’ cognitions of both positive and negative test consequences. The implications of these findings extend to teacher trainers and English language educators, offering practical insights to enhance the effectiveness of their teaching practices.