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.