Now, no decently-trained educator would say it that way, but the practice remains nearly universal, in all classes, in all schools. Of course, for a few skilled learners, telling can be teaching, but for an overwhelming number of students the practice is grossly ineffective. Yet, the practice continues. Because most teachers have not been taught more effective ways of teaching. Telling is often all the excellent student needs, and this fact reinforces teachers who do it.
Selection plays a major role in their success.
Many of these youth enter school with good language skills, including the ability to read, a very critical asset for success. And, of course, such schools have children who do not succeed for various reasons. Those who border on failure or who actually fail require methods and technology that can lead to successful learning. In fact, the application of the learning sciences to all students will serve them well. This technology permits students to learn twice as much in the same time with no more effort.