This book offers a comprehensive account of individual differences variables as well as contextual factors that impinge on second language learners' willingness to communicate (WTC). Firstly, it adopts a macro-perspective on WTC, which entails an attempt to identify variables that are related to WTC, taking into account the specificity of the Polish higher education setting. Secondly, it embraces a micro-perspective on WTC, striving to pinpoint the individual and contextual influences on levels of WTC in the course of regularly-scheduled, naturally-occurring English classes, as well as to capture the dynamic nature of WTC during such classes. Together, these perspectives bring the reader closer to understanding the mechanisms underlying WTC in specific contexts, thereby providing a basis for recommendations for classroom practice that could translate into learners' success. It will be of interest to second language acquisition researchers and students, as well as to methodologists and materials writers who can use the research findings to improve the practice of teaching and learning speaking in the language classroom.

Anna Mystkowska-Wiertelak is Assistant Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Kalisz, Poland and at the State University of Applied Sciences in Konin, Poland. Her research interests include individual differences, motivation, willingness to communicate and language learning strategies.

Miroslaw Pawlak is Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University in Kalisz, Poland and at the State University of Applied Sciences in Konin, Poland. His research interests include form-focused instruction, corrective feedback, individual learner differences and language learning strategies.

Introduction

Part One: Overview of Theoretical, Methodological and Empirical Issues

Chapter 1: Definitions and Evolution of the Concept

Chapter 2: Methodology of Empirical Investigations into L2 WTC

Chapter 3: Empirical Investigations of L2 WTC Antecedents

Part Two: Exploring WTC Antecedents in a Foreign Language Context: A Macro-perspective

Chapter 4: The Rationale for and Design of the Study

Chapter 5: Findings of the Study

Chapter 6: Discussion of the Findings

Part Three: Investigating WTC in the Course of Speaking Classes: A Micro-perspective

Chapter 7: The Rationale for and Design of the Study

Chapter 8: Findings of the Study

Chapter 9: Discussion of the Findings

Conclusions, Implications and Directions for Future Research