Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         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!) Aisha must know that if she wants to be successful, continue her education, and enter the work force here in America, she will have to work with men. After explaining this to her, I would be sensitive of her religion for the beginning part of the school year, complying with the all-girl group. However, as the school year progressed, I would add one male to the group and remove one female. I think Aisha should be eased into the situation, not automatically thrown in a group with more male partners than females. I would continue this progression throughout the year, adding a male and removing a female into to help prepare her for life outside if my classroom, but not put her in a situation where she is the only female.                 Rating The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No 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 No The suggested solution is original Yes Comments: It seems that Aisha's religion is not a matter on which she is ready or willing to compromise. In respect for her traditions, the teacher must recognize and respect her rights just as those of any other student. Rated On: July 1, 2013 10:17 pm 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 agree with your solution. Rated On: October 16, 2015 4:35 pm Rated By: uqeMeg