This journal (usually published twice a year) is a publication of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT), a nonprofit professional organization of language teachers dedicated to the improvement of language learning and teaching in Japan. JALT's publications and events serve as vehicles for the exchange of new ideas and techniques, and a means of keeping abreast of new developments in a rapidly changing field. Each issue includes several sections and departments: feature articles, point to point articles where the major issues of the field are debated, research forum, perspectives, book reviews, and JALT journal information. Topics highlighted in this volume include the following: placement testing, measuring pragmatic competence, massive input, influences on intercultural adjustment, learner self assessment, LANs (local area network computers) and discourse quality, grades and self-efficacy, and effects of entrance examinations. (KFT)