"Why is it so difficult for adults to learn a second language? How can we get to the source of these difficulties, diagnose the learners, 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."--Jacket.

1. Introduction: What Is This Book For? -- 2. Direct Data Collection: Observation -- 3. Direct Data Collection: Interviewing Students -- 4. Cognitive Learning Styles -- 5. Field Independence and Field Sensitivity -- 6. Personality Models -- 7. The Affective Dimension: Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Anxiety -- 8. Biographic Background Information and Student Learning Strategies -- 9. Using Information From Questionnaires and Tests and Language Aptitude -- 10. Students in Context -- 11. When You Need Outside Help -- 12. On Your Own -- Appendix A. Sample Biographic Background Questionnaire -- Appendix B. An Instrument for Sequential and Random Processing -- Appendix C. Motivation and Strategies Questionnaire -- Appendix D. Interpretations of MSQ Items -- Appendix E. Case Data Highlights.