Area students get a Close-Up experience in the nation's capital

New Rockford-Sheyenne students are among the many throughout the nation who have the opportunity through the non-profit organization Close-Up to experience and engage in civic learning outside the classroom.

This summer, nine students and their program advisor, Jordan Brown, traveled to Washington, D.C. to gain a direct understanding of the problems and prospects of political activity. Close Up understands that "dating as far back as Thomas Jefferson, one of the most durable themes in American education is the deep connection between democratic self-government and education. The Close Up experience is not merely a tour of the nation's capital, nor is it a series of lectures. Instead, students spent a week exploring D.C. and interacting with students from all across the country. Even more, they learn about the history and government from many perspectives. As a result, students made personal connections with famous places throughout D.C.

Senior Brianna Price said, "It was a very educational trip and I came in contact with many other students from around the country. We were always very busy, as there was so much to see. I personally enjoyed getting to visit all the memorials and the National Mall. My favorite part was seeing the Washington Monument up close and the World War II Memorial that surrounds fountains of water."

Junior Kyleigh Hilbert agreed that the capital's landmarks were an outstanding part of the experience. "My favorite part of the trip was seeing all of the monuments."

As a means to offer a unique experience that complements traditional classroom civic learning, Close Up relies on the use of cooperative learning techniques. David Johnson and Roger Johnson state in "What Makes Cooperative Learning Work," Cooperative experiences are not a luxury. They are an absolute necessity for the healthy social development of individuals.