What exactly did learning at school involve?

1. Lessons in class/explanations
2. Reading text books
3. Practice in class
4. Heavy repetition of basic elements e.g. times tables, alphabet, spelling tests
5. Peer competition
6. Homework
7. Revision
8. Exams
9. Levels of proficiency
10. Regular feedback 

Somehow as adults we expect to pick things up easily and skilfully without undertaking the process of learning necessary as a child. Why is this?