A Good Teaching Example

I read an article this morning (5/29/08) in the Washington Post about how an elementary school in Maryland was able meet its No Child Left Behind mandate at 100%. They follow a rigorous curriculum, where everything is planned out. What intrigued me is that it is set up so that all students have to talk. The teacher doesn't just lecture. Everyone has to participate. They also emphasize working in teams. Here's a link to the article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/27/AR2008052703151.html?referrer=delicious

The principal was an immigrant from Germany and went through most of her elementary education not speaking English, but still getting A's Here is my favorite quote from the article:

When she became principal of Ocean City Elementary 11 years ago, Kordick initiated a policy called Ask and Answer. The school abolished the practice of teachers asking questions, students raising hands and the teacher picking one to provide the answer. Instead, students pair off and answer the question between themselves.

In a kindergarten class on a recent morning, students recited the plan for a morning activity: "We will construct caterpillars and butterflies." Teacher Chris Lieb then said, "Think about what 'construct' might mean. Pair with your partner and tell your partner." Chatter filled the classroom.

In an adjoining class, kindergarten student Hunter Wolf peered through a framed sheet of transparent plastic held against a window, the better to gauge the day's weather. He turned to the class: "According to my picture, it is cloudy and rainy today." Another schoolwide rule dictates that students speak in complete sentences.

There has to be something here that i can use for my classes. At the very least it shows how lectures can be deadening. You have to actively participate to learn anything.