In this article we introduce Positive Psychology (PP), a relatively new subfield of psychology, and outline its development since the year 2000. We describe ways in which PP represents an exciting addition to the Second Language Acquisition (SLA) literature and the ways it is already influencing trends in education generally, thus creating…

This article describes distance learning (DL) for languages within the context of recent advances and research findings in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). In addition to reviewing the different DL modalities, theoretical underpinnings, and the most appropriate technological applications to second language learning, the issues of…

This update to Garrett (1991), "Technology in the Service of Language Learning: Trends and Issues," explores current uses of technology to facilitate the teaching and assessment of second languages. In this article, I discuss the changes that have taken place over the last 18 years regarding selected topics from the 1991 article, including the…

Traces the history of "The Modern Language Journal (MLJ)" editorial policies and practices as seen in the reviews section, traced mainly through the voices of "MLJ" editors. These editorial messages reveal the role of the editor in shaping the function of the reviews and also provide a window on the issues and events that each generation of…

Reviews the present situation of foreign languages in the U.S. and discusses the prospects for their future. Sees reasons for believing that the near future may bring a resurgence of interest in at least some modern languages and advocates intimate knowledge of a foreign language and culture for its humanistic value. (MES)

Focuses on five major themes in foreign language education that have surfaced throughout 8 decades. These include arguments supporting the value of FL study, periods of doubt and optimism about the place of FLs in the curriculum, the intense argumentation between faculties of education and the defenders of FL study, and which FLs should be taught…

Traces the development of the "The Modern Language Journal's (MLJ)" editorial policy through examination of each editor's policy statements and personal reflections and the contents of the announcements used as page filler. The examination reveals the "MLJ's" proactive role in helping to shape a unified, national foreign language teaching…

Reviews the proposed pedagogical use of technological resources by means of a critical analysis of articles published in "The Modern Language Journal" since its first edition in 1916. Argues that whereas most new technologies may have been revolutionary in the overall context of human interaction, it is not clear that they have achieved equal…

Examines the major mainstream language teaching methods that have been explored in "The Modern Language Journal," showing how they came into being and what caused them to become strong as opposed to other methods. Looks at other historical and academic factors that caused the methods to divert and divide into several channels. Suggests potential…

Describes the Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning, which is made up of 11 major private research universities. This group seeks an active forum for discussion and cost-effective solutions to major problems in foreign language education. (CB)

Reviews topical and methodological trends in the past 85 years of research on language classrooms in "The Modern Language Journal." Focus is on empirical investigations into oral classroom instruction in post-secondary classes, which include comparisons of language teaching methodology, observational procedures in classrooms, examinations of…