JALT Journal - Issue 43.1; May 2021


Volume: 43
Issue No. 1
Date of publication: May 2021
https://doi.org/10.37546/JALTJJ43.1
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In This Issue

Articles

The first issue for 2021 contains two full-length research articles in English, one full-length research article in Japanese, and one Research Forum article in English. The first, by Darby McGrath, focuses on the topic of written corrective feedback and its effects on the writing of Japanese EFL students. The second, by Sayaka Sugimoto, examines English-medium instruction (EMI) classes and how they are experienced by medical school students. The third major article in Japanese is by Mika Ishino, who employs conversation analysis to explore the roles of Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japanese junior high schools. Finally, the Research Forum article by Mitsuko Tanaka examines the construct validity of a questionnaire instrument to assess student group work using Rasch analysis.

Reviews

The reviews in this issue open with John Bankier looking at cases of innovation in language teaching from the Japanese context. In the second review, Douglas Bell examines a book written by Laurence Anthony on contextualizing, understanding, and applying English for Specific Purposes. The third review by Patrick Conaway covers the very accessible Teaching Extensive Reading in Another Language co-authored by Paul Nation and Rob Waring. Scott Gardner then critiques a title addressing the communicative and social functions of humor. Next, the topic of assessing L2 listening is taken up in a review by Alastair Graham-Marr. Chris Carl Hale summarizes the models of classroom-based action research from a book which demonstrates the applicability of SLA research in teaching practices. Robert J. Kerrigan then outlines research methods less commonly found in applied linguistics but suitable for investigating complex dynamic systems. Eleanor Smith contributes a review on the Developmental Model of Linguaculture Learning from Joseph Shaules. Finally, Chelanna White reviews a TESOL title that encourages language teachers to learn linguistics, accept ELF, and embrace NNSs as experts.

From the Editor

I am deeply honored to assume the editorship of JALT Journal, after two years gaining the necessary knowledge and skills as Associate Editor of JALT Journal. As Editor, I endeavor to increase my commitment to giving a voice to emerging researchers in the field of language teaching and learning in Japan while continuing to uphold the high standards and quality of the journal.

As I embark on this exciting journey, I would like to take this time to thank several key members. I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Eric Hauser for his careful attention to detail and close support during my apprenticeship period as Associate Editor. His assistance has been invaluable in putting me in the position to assume my new role as Editor, and I intend to collaborate with Dr. Dennis Koyama, incoming Associate Editor, in the same manner. I would also like to thank the JALT Publications Board Members who I have worked with for welcoming me into my new responsibilities. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of former Production Editor Amy Aisha Brown, who will be moving into other responsibilities, and the proofreading team responsible for getting each issue to “the finish line” for publication. Additionally, I am indebted to Malcolm Swanson for ensuring that the journal’s up-to-date information is posted accurately, for accomplishing final corrections, and for his general support. Most importantly, I would like to convey my utmost gratitude to all of the Editorial Board members, additional reviewers, and consulting editors, for their steadfast dedication to providing timely, critical, and supportive feedback to the prospective manuscripts they encounter, especially during a period that has challenged language educators in Japan to rethink their practices substantially. I hope to continue and build upon the fine work of all past Editors and Associate Editors, especially as we navigate through these ambivalent, unprecedented, and uncertain times.

—Gregory Paul Glasgow, JALT Journal Editor

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JALT Journal