Expanding the Language Teaching and Learning Knowledge Base
In the last edition of Academic Exchange Quarterly (AEQ), that focussed on
language, Fall 2001, my editorial concentrated on the differences in teaching 
and learning across cultures.  This editorial will reflect on the types of 
submissions that will be published in this edition and how that reflects the 
interests of language teachers and researchers today.  

Research focusing on reading and writing skills at the college level has produced 
the greatest number of papers for this publication.  This suggests a shift away 
from earlier trends towards the Communicative Approach.  The large number of these 
types of submissions may also reflect the growing concern, especially in the United 
States, over the low level in proficiency in this area for both native speaker (L1) 
and second language (L2) learners.

The field of language teacher training and development has also produced a number 
of submissions.  The development of language teachers from novice to expert has 
been discussed widely recently.  We are happy to be able to include an article on 
this theme.  Other related articles in this edition address issues such as learner 
autonomy and social constructivism in relation to L2 teaching and learning.  Again, 
this confirms new areas of interest among language researchers.

How do we address this language technology?  How can it be successfully integrated 
into the curriculum?  These and other related question have been or are currently 
being addressed to language departments throughout the world. This edition also 
includes articles on language technology. 

This issue also includes articles on grammar and code switching.  This reflects a 
positive trend that has resulted in the resurgence in the interest in grammar.  
Perhaps in this is also related to the reading and writing skills where many 
currently see a need.  A very interesting article on code switching has also been 
included in this edition.

In conclusion, I am happy to point out that this a truly international edition: 
the twelve language related articles in this edition come from five different 
countries.  I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with this issue. 
I hope that you will enjoy the articles that are presented and that they will 
help you improve and help enhance your own classroom teaching and the way that 
your students learn.


Dr. Mike Garant
University of Tampere, Finland
Subject Editor