Hi snorkelfish,
This is the action list that I always use to monitor first when my application is going slow.
Thread - To check what the server is doing
JTA/Transaction - To check whether is there any stuck transaction.
Datasource - To check whether connection pool is enough and some usage statistic.
Queue (If you'are using) - To check how much message in the queue.
Server log - To check is there any exception happen.
Actually, this is not an easy task, it needs experience and if you have to solve in a short time you should ask support from product owner.
Here is some useful link to get start.
http://ftpna2.bea.com/pub/downloads/UserGroupPresentations/2004Presos/WLS/PerformanceTuning.pdfhttp://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E11035_01/wls100/perform/topten.htmlHope this help
Sompol