Nuthall's Hidden Lives of Learners in Action

For over 40 years in New Zealand, prominent educational researcher Professor Emeritus Graham Nuthall studied the dynamics of learning in the classroom. His work culminated in the highly influential book, The Hidden Lives of Learners, which has guided teachers over the decades through the learning process for young people. Through his meticulous research, we are made aware of the 'worlds' of our students, their contexts and their social interactions, and we are able to determine how these impact on long-term learning.

In this book, Bennie Kara explores the theoretical and practical elements of Nuthall's extensive research, including the importance of feedback, how to focus effectively on individual student needs, how to maximise learning activities and how to create a classroom culture of enquiry. Drawing on Nuthall's findings, she also delves into the complexities of direct instruction and misconceptions about individualised instruction practices.

Bennie Kara started her career as an English teacher in the inaugural cohort of Teach First in 2003. After 20 years' experience in education as a teacher and former deputy headteacher specialising in teaching, learning and the curriculum, she now works as a leadership coach in schools as a speaker and trainer on topics such as DEI, teaching and learning, and effective curriculum construction. She is the author of three books focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion in education. Graham Nuthall's work and research, as recorded in The Hidden Lives of Learners, sits in the intersection of her interests. She is particularly interested in the way he explores the social construct of the classroom, as well as the ways in which identity, experience and interest play into long term learning and memory. She strongly believes that effective pedagogy is rooted in the needs of students and is informed by research.