Negative Wash-Back of Formative Assessment to Learning in Saudi Higher Education Context

This article reports the wash-back of formative assessment on what students learn, how they learn and the depth of their learning in Saudi higher education context. Previous research indicates that assessment methods affect different aspects of learning either positively or negatively depending on the nature of assessment tasks. Observations indicate a clear association between Saudi students’ learning and how their learning is assessed; so this research was needed to determine how exactly the correlation looked like—positive or negative. The data in this study were collected from Saudi undergraduates by employing a student survey and semi-structured interviews. The survey included Likert scale items of agreement regarding research assignments, quizzes and midterm examinations administered to 250 English-major students. To validate the survey results, sixteen students from different levels with GPA 3 and above were interviewed. The results showed that formative assessment narrowed down the scope of learning materials. The students mostly adopted surface level learning strategies to prepare for formative assessment tasks. Higher order thinking skills were not tested in any of the formative assessment methods. Therefore, it is suggested that assessments tasks should be subjected to thorough validation and moderation. Sound assessment practices should be put in place and practiced judiciously. To achieve these objectives, sustained institutional and departmental professional backing is a prerequisite.

Investigating the Effects of Text Simplification to Speed Up Justice in Pakistan

This study focuses on the simplification of the Pakistani legal text in both academic and occupational contexts to make the justice speedy. The comparative analysis of effectiveness of original and simplified versions of the legal texts in Pakistan is systematically analyzed and followed with recommendations. The purpose of this study is to suggest Plain English Language Movement in academic and legal professional settings to make the justice speedy. The aim of this study is to measure the linguistic adequacy of stake holders concerning the comprehension level and required time of comprehending statutes and extracts from judicial judgments in original and simplified versions so that the problems regarding the complexity of legal language and consequently recommendations be given to improve comprehension and to save time. I designed an exploratory study focusing on an experiment by describing the perceptions of law professionals and making comparisons in complex and simplified law language. It is a comparative study in nature, and at the same time it is experimental based on particular methodology and philosophy. In this regard, mixed method approach is taken into account to communicate the data. Purposive sampling was used to gather the data by employing survey questionnaires and tests (1 & 2). To measure the comprehension level and time spent, tests (1 & 2) were conducted among the law students, while two sets of questionnaires were distributed among two population groups; law teachers and lawyers. The data regarding tests and closed ended items of the questionnaires were quantitatively analyzed by using SPSS 15.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), while open ended items of the questionnaires were qualitatively analyzed through identifying common themes and reviewing responses. The findings exhibited clearly the effectiveness of the simplified versions and complexity of original versions of the legal texts. This is evident that original legal texts due to its complex nature make a receding effect on the readers’ comprehension. The findings also make clear that the simplified versions of the legal texts can prove beneficial in academic and professional legal settings as it is widely supported and approved by the members of the legal discourse community. Considering the findings of this study, Plain English Movement in Pakistani academic and professional legal settings has been recommended. The findings also highlight the potential areas for further research in the field of language and law with reference to speedy justice.