Educating the next generation of voters

MILFORD — When the dust settles from the current round of debates and caucuses, the Democrats and Republicans each hope to have a candidate that their party will rally behind. At the Dingman-Delaware Middle School, though, Mrs. Jennifer Shiner hopes that her students will understand the need to be informed voters who participate when their turn comes.

Using CNN Student News, Mrs. Shiner helps students develop a current event awareness habit.

“After watching CNN, I want students to have an understanding of the issues happening in our country and also the rest of the world,” Shiner said.

Being informed is number one.
“I’ve learned a lot,” said seventh-grader Hunter Mastrocovi, “I’ve never really watched elections before, and there’s a lot going on.”

“The process is kind of new to me,” classmate Rory Naturale agreed. "But CNN Student News has been very informative.”

The program, which is an abbreviated version of typical adult-targeted news broadcasts, focuses on showing students what is happening in the world and how these current events affect students’ live.

“I find that CNN student news provides concrete examples of concepts that we are covering in class," Shiner said. " This proves to the students that what we are learning has a real-life application."

For example, when the students' news program recently covered the passing of Justice Scalia, the class revisited the government's checks and balances and how these would play into the appointment of the next Supreme Court justice. Shiner's students have also been watching the election coverage carefully — both inside and outside of school — even though this seventh-grade class won’t be of age to vote for two more election cycles.

“I think we’ll know what we’re looking for when we’re old enough to vote and who we’ll want to vote for,” said Rory.

“And the news helps to keep us up to date on what the voting and polling shows, which would help us develop ideas for if we wanted to get elected one day,” added Melissa Cruz.

The students are very interested in the election process and curious to see who the final candidates for president will be. The campaign, the debates, and the final nomination from each party have generated many questions and much discussion.

“My goal for showing CNN Student news is to provide the students with a comprehensive world view,” Mrs. Shiner said. “I hope that the students realize how fortunate they are to live in the United States.”