Introducing a Galaxy

MLJ Editorial Policy: Reflections on the Profession, Definition of Its Disciplines

“…In his Adiós to Journal readers, Crawford (1926) said that he "made a sincere effort to stimulate an interest in the scientific study of our teaching problems, and to maintain a spirit of harmony and good fellowship among the various groups of his constituents" (p. 501). On the national scene, the language-specific AATs were growing and became affiliated with the NFMLTA in 1923 (Zeydel, 1941a). The Journal supported professional development by publishing conference minutes, a list of doctoral dissertations completed (initiated in Volume 7), and the NFMLTA constitution ("Notes and News," MLJ, 9, 1925, pp.…”

“…(Welch & Van Horne, 1928, p. 617) Editor Morgan's most fervent "pet idea" can be seen in his personal efforts to shape the profession. Although he pledged MLJ support for the new journals (1928) associated with the formation of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) and the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), he personally opposed the creation of individual language associations (1927a, 1930) because he feared that they would pull apart the FL teaching profession and give too much power to "educationists," who advocated lower educational standards, and because their existence might reduce subscriptions to the Journal (Zeydel, 1941a).…”

“…(Zeydel, 1941a, p. 238) The Journal was indeed developing in ways that reflected the professionalization of the discipline and its financial struggle. Doyle's editorship brought to the MLJ biographical sketches of contributors; the first mention of the Journal in the Education Index; a volume index with cross-references by subjects in place of the composite table of contents; the first use of an Editorial Advisory Board, comprised of former managing editors, assistant editors, and the business managers, which, Doyle noted, was mostly to recognize the editors rather than for any practical value (Zeydel, 1941a); and the first appearance of advertisements in the opening pages, final pages, and back cover. Still only 22 years old, the MLJ showed its growing professional identity in its format and reflected the struggle for identity and allegiance within the disciplines it served.…”