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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!)
In Aisha's case, the teacher should accommodate her request and assign her to an all female group or offer her the option of working individually. In doing this, the teacher is respecting her religious beliefs and providing an accommodation for the student to participate in the classroom. However, I would immediately contact the counselor, administrators, and parents to discuss/resolve the issue. First, addressing the specific details concerning her beliefs and then discussing its impact on classroom functioning. Lastly, the group should develop a plan for Aisha. In addition, the accommodations should be documented and followed closely.
 
     
     
  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, accommodations can be made to respect her religious beliefs.
Rated On: October 17, 2014 2:53 pm
Rated By: Angela Avery