This book examines the life and work of the eighteenth-century scientist, philosopher and feminist, Madame du Chatelet.

"This volume has some really nice features such as: the discussion of audio-lingual theory as deriving from behaviorism, the terrific discussion of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation--that is discussed here in a manner superior to any I've seen, the discussion of over-motivated students; the relation between self-esteem and self-efficacy, disabilities and language learning, and the provision of specific tips for learning vocabulary, grammar etc. The case studies are also wonderful. " Robert Sternberg, Department of Psychology Yale University "The case studies are among the most appealing characteristics of the book. They present readily identifiable, relatively easy-to-understand types of learners, and they include a vast range of possible types. The questions and prods related to the case studies are very valuable. The tables are very handy. I love the table on defense mechanisms and the chart about the intriguing metaphors for language learning." Rebecca L. Oxford, Ph.D, Area Head, Teacher Education University of Alabama Why is it so difficult for adults to learn a second language? How can we get to the source of these difficulties, diagnose the learner, and help them achieve their goals? Understanding Second Language Learning Difficulties addresses these questions, demonstrating some of the insights, techniques, and skills needed to understand adult students who are having problems learning a second language. Author Madeline E. Ehrman provides a deep examination of the source of difficulty, taking into consideration such issues as learning styles, personality dispositions, motivation, learning strategies, self-efficacy, and anxiety. Helpful summaries, case studies, and exercises are included, giving the reader a firm grasp of the complex issues involved. This new volume presents multiple theories and models for each of the cases discussed, showing the reader how to evaluate observations in terms of individual difference dimensions. Scholars, researchers, and professionals in linguistics, communication, English as a second language, as well as teachers and trainers will value the thorough examination, and unique viewpoints this book offers.

Until now, relatively little research on interpersonal processes and group dynamics addressed the educational domain, particularly second language education. This book fills the gap by synthesizing diverse aspects of interpersonal and group psychology and exploring conscious and unconscious processes that affect learning and teaching. Drawing on humanistic, social, and clinical psychology, it addresses unconscious communication among people, group development, class climate, psychological characteristics of effective classroom groups, leadership roles, interpersonal attraction and conflicts, and the relationship of these to learner autonomy and collaborative learning. The authors examine the contributions of the mental health branches of counseling and clinical psychology to our understanding of how teachers, learners and a variety of figures who many never enter the classroom interact with each other to make second language learning more or less effective. In particular, the authors show how the unconscious oscriptsoe can cause unproductive conflict demotivation and eventual aversion to language learning. Moreover, the text shows how learning can be facilitated by appropriate use of interpersonal dynamics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, this book will be of interest to teacher educators and practicing teachers, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, school administrators and supervisors of educational programs, and many learners themselves. In addition, since the main focus of the book is the affective foundation of the teaching/learning process, this material will be relevant to non-language teachers and clinical practitioners interested in educational issues, as well as graduate students in training for those professions.

Until now, relatively little research on interpersonal processes and group dynamics addressed the educational domain, particularly second language education. This book fills the gap by synthesizing diverse aspects of interpersonal and group psychology and exploring conscious and unconscious processes that affect learning and teaching. Drawing on humanistic, social, and clinical psychology, it addresses unconscious communication among people, group development, class climate, psychological characteristics of effective classroom groups, leadership roles, interpersonal attraction and conflicts, and the relationship of these to learner autonomy and collaborative learning. The authors examine the contributions of the mental health branches of counseling and clinical psychology to our understanding of how teachers, learners and a variety of figures who many never enter the classroom interact with each other to make second language learning more or less effective. In particular, the authors show how the unconscious ôscriptsö can cause unproductive conflict demotivation and eventual aversion to language learning. Moreover, the text shows how learning can be facilitated by appropriate use of interpersonal dynamics. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, this book will be of interest to teacher educators and practicing teachers, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students, school administrators and supervisors of educational programs, and many learners themselves. In addition, since the main focus of the book is the affective foundation of the teaching/learning process, this material will be relevant to non-language teachers and clinical practitioners interested in educational issues, as well as graduate students in training for those professions.

"This volume has some really nice features such as: the discussion of audio-lingual theory as deriving from behaviorism, the terrific discussion of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation--that is discussed here in a manner superior to any I've seen, the discussion of over-motivated students; the relation between self-esteem and self-efficacy, disabilities and language learning, and the provision of specific tips for learning vocabulary, grammar etc. The case studies are also wonderful. "
Robert Sternberg, Department of Psychology
Yale University

"The case studies are among the most appealing characteristics of the book. They present readily identifiable, relatively easy-to-understand types of learners, and they include a vast range of possible types. The questions and prods related to the case studies are very valuable. The tables are very handy. I love the table on defense mechanisms and the chart about the intriguing metaphors for language learning."
Rebecca L. Oxford, Ph.D, Area Head, Teacher Education
University of Alabama

Why is it so difficult for adults to learn a second language? How can we get to the source of these difficulties, diagnose the learner, and help them achieve their goals? Understanding Second Language Learning Difficulties addresses these questions, demonstrating some of the insights, techniques, and skills needed to understand adult students who are having problems learning a second language. Author Madeline E. Ehrman provides a deep examination of the source of difficulty, taking into consideration such issues as learning styles, personality dispositions, motivation, learning strategies, self-efficacy, and anxiety.

Helpful summaries, case studies, and exercises are included, giving the reader a firm grasp of the complex issues involved. This new volume presents multiple theories and models for each of the cases discussed, showing the reader how to evaluate observations in terms of individual difference dimensions. Scholars, researchers, and professionals in linguistics, communication, English as a second language, as well as teachers and trainers will value the thorough examination, and unique viewpoints this book offers.