This volume presents in considerable depth many of the factors that must be taken into account when developing effective language learning. The volume is divided into three parts. The first deals with learning, including chapters on planning one's study, the role of cognition, learning styles and learning strategies, feelings and personality, and interpersonal relationships. The second part focuses on language and includes chapters on verbal language, sociolinguistics, and unspoken communication. The third part addresses the need for independent learning: One chapter discusses how learners can take control of their learning and a second offers strategies for managing communication.

The volume is intended for use with undergraduate students as well as for use as a class text in training language teachers. It is particularly strong in its description of learning styles and personality. It provides case studies and end-of-chapter “Practice What You Have Learned” sections throughout to enhance reader understanding of the concepts presented. It offers multiple lists of how to cope with potential problems in learning, such as anxiety and complex communication situations. It offers both preview and review sections for each chapter.

Given the amount of new information and use of technical language in some chapters, this volume would probably best be used with very motivated advanced learners or with teacher guidance. Readers might be helped by an opportunity to determine their own learning style and by a list of technical terms. An additional chapter detailing the relationship of metacognitive strategies to all of the other factors would also enable readers to find their own way to achieve success.