甚麼是「倒流效應/回沖效應 (Backwash Effect/Washback Effect)」? The term “back” is defined as the direct and indirect effects of examinations on teaching methods. This concept was developed into 15 hypotheses by Alderskwashon & Wall and the first two of these :“A test will influence teaching” and “A test will influence learning” are tested via questionnaire-based survey. Tests have a powerful 'backwash' effect. Tests are taken at the end of a course, so the way they are designed and the test items they contain will influence the way that the teaching takes place up to the time the tests are administered. The backwash of tests can have a negative (負面) effect on what happens in classrooms, but it can also be very positive (正面). If the test is well-designed, its influence over teaching practice can be extremely beneficial. Most important is what is really being tested, and exactly how the test is constructed to meet that aim. 簡單而言,所謂「倒流效應」就是考試領導教學效應,是指考試對學生學習及教師教學的影響。