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  Case: Cannot Cooperate
Aisha is known as a responsible and smart student. I have known her for the last two years, but this year is the first time she is taking one of my classes. She is in my 10th grade US History class. Recently, I started using small group projects in my class. I simply want my students to learn to cooperate, exchange ideas, and produce the project together. Although Aisha is willing to take part in these small group projects, she does not want to be in groups with male students because of her religious beliefs. When she told me about this, I told her that she was in the United States and that she had to work with whoever she is in a group with. In the first group project, Aisha was in a group with three males and one female students. She simply did not participate in any of the group activities. I wonder if should reconsider my original position on this issue and accommodate Aisha by having her work only with girls. Would I be doing her a disservice? What should I do?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
When approaching a problem in the classroom, the first question one must ask is "What do I want the student to gain from this experience or project?" In this case, the goal would be to learn cooperation, be able to exchange ideas, and produce a project together. Can Aisha accomplish this goal in a female only group? I believe so! I don't believe that accommodating her religious needs will impact the overall project. On the other hand, not accommodating has become a roadblock for her and because of her lack of participation, she is unable to achieve the overall goal of the assignment. Aisha is a responsible and smart student and does not seem to be making excuses about participation. Interest should be shown in wanting to learn more about her belief so that she will feel comfortable in the classroom especially while being taught by a male teacher.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I support the viewpoint that the teacher's main focus should be on what the student is expected to gain from the activity. If the task can be accomplished in an all girl's group, then it shouldn't matter if she doesn't work with males.
Rated On: July 1, 2013 12:36 am
Rated By: PyruNe
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: I could not agree with you more. I definitely believe that Aisha's learning experience can be just as meaningful if she works in a group of just females. Accommodating her religious beliefs should have no effect on the impact of the overall project. I also agree that in the past Aisha has struggled to participate in groups with males and it has taken away from the activity. She is smart and does not seem to be one that makes excuses about participation. She should not be punished because of her religious beliefs. Her grades should not be impacted because of her cultural beliefs. I also posted that the teacher should allow Aisha and anyone else who has a culture that is different from the mainstream to share it with the class. This will promote acceptance and understanding so that when Aisha placed in groups with females, her classmates understand. I believe that the teacher should also learn about Aisha's culture so that he does not run into this again.
Rated On: September 5, 2013 4:51 pm
Rated By: jaMyDu