Exploring Psychology in Language Learning and Teaching

"Williams, Mercer and Ryan bring years of combined teaching and teacher educating experience to their writing task, and begin by first of all recognizing teachers' credibility...[They] find that elusive sweet spot between spoonfeeding and inaccessibility - with much of the reader-friendliness, in my opinion, attained with the provision of their explicit explanation of terms, concrete examples and accompanying activities. Williams, Mercer and Ryan talk to teachers to help them improve their practice - and do not lose their academic credibility in the process." * New Routes (Tammy Gregersen, Professor of TESOL, University of North Iowa) *
"This short but eye-catching publication is an attempt to fill a niche in the market for an up-to-date book which provides an overview of some of the key areas of educational and social psychology and how they relate to language teaching/learning... The authors have clearly made good use of their expert knowledge in the discipline... This publication is not at all prescriptive but encourages teachers and practitioners to evaluate their own theories of teaching/learning and consider what is appropriate to their own settings. Verdict: a very worthwhile acquisition, accessible and thought-provoking... [It] most certainly succeeds in its stated goal of enriching the teaching and learning experience of the reader." * Perspectives, TESOL Arabia *
"Knowledge of psychological factors involved in the process of language learning and teaching is indispensable for teachers of languages... This is one of the must-read books in the field... realistic and down-to-earth... It is not surprising at all to learn that the book has won the Ben Warren Prize for contributing successfully to teacher education." * Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics *
[a] brilliant volume... relevant to practising teachers... original... inspirational... well-written and appealing... consistent with core values... crucial for the lives and work of many readers... Marion Williams, Sarah Mercer, and Stephen Ryan, who are very skilled authors, researchers, and teachers, have made this book a rich contribution to the field. Without using too much hyperbole, I contend that Exploring Psychology in Language Learning and Teaching deserves the term 'glorious', meaning full of light and brightness (note the book's bright gold cover, as well as the enlightening contents), delightful, wonderful, completely enjoyable, and worthy of high praise. It is well worth reading. * Rebecca Oxford, English Language Teaching Journal *