Gourley teaches to the test, but includes a lot of information that probably will not be on it. For example, he instructs the class in the Pledge of Allegiance. By the third or fourth week, everyone has memorized it. They recite it at the start of each class, even though none will be asked anything about the pledge during their naturalization interview. It's important for these people who are going to be citizens to know it, too.
Students take the classes because they have some learning to do.
This is the best way for me to learn about my new home. It's making me proud to be an American. These citizenship courses deepen immigrants' understanding of U.S. history and government. They turn borderline cases into applicants who ace their exams. They also can bring new people into the system by instilling those who otherwise would hesitate to apply with the knowledge and confidence they need to pass.