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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!)
I am a very flexible teacher, so I cannot imagine being in this predicament. I frequently assign groups, but I also feel that children have legitimate reasons for not wanting to be in a certain group. When students ask me for a change, I always listen to their viewpoint and ask them questions to determine if making the change is appropriate. Typically their concerns are reasonable.
In this situation, it is established that this student is responsible, so there is no reason to question her motives. If she says it is against her religious beliefs, then we should value and honor her request. Many have posted that they would contact her parents. However, I do not see this as necessary. There is no reason to engage her parents or her in a discussion of how she will need to work with boys in the future. That is for her and her family to decide. And most likely, Aisha will grow up to be a productive member of society regardless. Additionally, I feel that forcing someone to do something against their religious beliefs constitutes discrimination. |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
No
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| Comments: American citizens typically have a tendency to insist that others who become part of our society conform to the practices and beliefs of the majority. However, as was suggested, this basically constitutes a form of religious discrimination, which is illegal in this country. Aisha's parents would certainly be within their legal rights to pursue actions against the teacher if he insists that Aisha interact with males which goes against her religious beliefs. |
| Rated On: June 28, 2013 9:46 pm |
| Rated By: PyruNe |
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Rating
| The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is relevant to the case |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue |
Yes
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| The suggested solution is original |
Yes
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| Comments: It is always best to be a flexible teacher and be sensitive to all issues that may arise in the classroom. |
| Rated On: September 1, 2015 2:59 am |
| Rated By: Jasmine Bringuel |
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