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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 think no matter what the issue is, when it comes to someones religious beliefs teachers should be sensitive to it in a school environment. If you were Christian and your children were told they couldn't pray before eating lunch because that's not how its done in a certain place, I'm sure that would feel offensive to you. I'm sure the reason Aisha didn't participate was because she feels strongly about her religion and was not willing to compromise with you. Being a bit more sensitive and cooperative in the future may help her be more involved.
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: February 11, 2013 3:21 pm
Rated By: Kaleigh Thomas
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: April 18, 2013 7:51 pm
Rated By: Lili G
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: May 23, 2013 5:48 pm
Rated By: vezaMu
 
     
     
  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 also think that being sensitive to the students religious beliefs is the appropriate action for this case. This is her culture, how she was raised, and,therefore it should be respected. If the topic would be having to prayer at certain times of the day that would cause her to be late for class I am pretty sure the school would accommodate the student for this reason so, why would it be a problem to accommodate her in not working with male students. Allow students to pick their own group verses placing them in groups.
Rated On: May 21, 2014 4:28 pm
Rated By: Krissy Chance-Bailey
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: October 3, 2014 3:52 am
Rated By: Zafer Unal
 
     
     
  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: Getting to know students is a great way avoid uncomfortable situations.
Rated On: February 25, 2015 3:58 pm
Rated By: Jen
 
     
     
  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 you. If I heard my child was not able to pray in school because those around her would not allow it, I would be upset and would take action. I think you did a great job of putting this into perspective for others.
Rated On: May 22, 2015 7:18 pm
Rated By: Kalie Walker
 
     
     
  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 this 100%. I don't think it's a teachers place to decide how to socialize a child, especially in high school and especially in the case of someone whose culture is different of your own. It's one thing if she stated she just didn't like boys, but it's another entirely if she is not comfortable with it based on a cultural or religious norm.
Rated On: May 24, 2015 12:58 pm
Rated By: Farhat Ahmad
 
     
     
  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 like your example about relating it to a Christian being denied prayer. I think that she should be able to have her religious belief and I think the teacher should work to put her into a group with females only.
Rated On: May 25, 2015 1:23 am
Rated By: ReMuXy
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I don't think making easing her into working with males would be a great idea. Some religions forbid females from having any type of contact with another male other than their husband. Aisha could be harshly punished for disobeying her religious beliefs.
Rated On: September 3, 2015 2:30 am
Rated By: Daisy Dumler
 
     
     
  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 this solution. I think a teacher must be sensitive to their students beliefs especially if it causes a student to be more active in class activities.
Rated On: October 14, 2015 1:19 am
Rated By: punybu
 
     
     
  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 this solution. Be sensitive to her beliefs!
Rated On: October 15, 2015 4:32 pm
Rated By: baQumy
 
     
     
  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: This is a great solution.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 5:08 pm
Rated By: uqeMeg
 
     
     
  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: Getting the student to cooperate and feel comfortable is very important. People shouldn't be forced to let go of their religious beliefs. Even though they may not seem to fit in to the normal way of doing things in America, their differing perspectives bring culture to your classroom.
Rated On: October 16, 2015 6:53 pm
Rated By: nydyra
 
     
     
  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 definitely agree with you, in this situation I think you should be respectful of your student's religious beliefs and make sure she is in a comfortable work environment.
Rated On: October 18, 2015 2:59 am
Rated By: XequMa
 
     
     
  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: Great idea!
Rated On: October 18, 2015 11:41 pm
Rated By: Jessica Sorensen
 
     
     
  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: The solution goes hand in hand with creating a classroom climate that is accepting and fosters diversity.
Rated On: October 19, 2015 7:43 pm
Rated By: yDyjuB
 
     
     
  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. Telling the student that she is in the United States might have been a little harsh.
Rated On: October 25, 2015 11:13 pm
Rated By: uSezaV
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) No
The suggested solution is relevant to the case No
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I disagree and would no this this in my classroom.
Rated On: March 2, 2016 5:47 am
Rated By: uBybuz
 
     
     
  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: This post is definitely respectful to the individual and allows the poster to put themselves in the student's shoes.
Rated On: March 7, 2016 2:01 am
Rated By: usudaX
 
     
     
  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 this statement but I also agree that the teacher is not acting insensitive to Aisha religion either
Rated On: October 14, 2016 7:42 pm
Rated By: Husava
 
     
     
  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: Great solution and great example with students praying at lunch. Teachers are cultural workers and must be sensitive to all cultures and religious views because that is a huge part of the job. Diversity is everywhere especially our schools.
Rated On: October 15, 2016 1:11 pm
Rated By: Nicole McVey
 
     
     
  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 that being told what to do would be offensive, especially if it's against your religion. I agree with you and that the teacher should re-think his stance on this subject. It's important to make sure that everyone feels included in the classroom.
Rated On: October 15, 2016 1:58 pm
Rated By: nehury
 
     
     
  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: Yes you always have to be considerate and cooperative with your students. Thats the only way your going to earn their respect.
Rated On: July 6, 2017 3:02 am
Rated By: RuWeWe
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: October 8, 2017 9:35 pm
Rated By: Nick
 
     
     
  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: Teachers should be sensitive to a students beliefs
Rated On: October 11, 2017 11:52 pm
Rated By: uryden
 
     
     
  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: Couldn't have said it better myself!
Rated On: February 25, 2018 7:08 am
Rated By: epuMat
 
     
     
  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: If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this
Rated On: February 26, 2018 12:28 am
Rated By: DuTepy
 
     
     
  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: Agreed.
Rated On: February 26, 2018 2:43 am
Rated By: QaHyWe
 
     
     
  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 No
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue No
The suggested solution is original No
Comments: I would not use this solution.
Rated On: October 13, 2018 2:48 am
Rated By: yreQan
 
     
     
  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 totally agree that when it comes to religion issues teachers should make all the accommodations needed inside the classroom to make students participate and learn.
Rated On: October 14, 2018 1:52 am
Rated By: tabape
 
     
     
  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
Rated On: October 27, 2018 7:45 pm
Rated By: Carla Crumb
 
     
     
  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: Being sure that the student is comfortable is just as important as teaching them social cues and standards. Abiding by her religious beliefs is important.
Rated On: February 18, 2019 10:31 pm
Rated By: Tiffany Foti
 
     
     
  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
Rated On: February 22, 2019 12:10 am
Rated By: Lawrence Poluchowicz
 
     
     
  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:
Rated On: February 25, 2019 2:17 am
Rated By: ZyQeHy
 
     
     
  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 think this is a good solution. It is rude to disrespect someone's religion and force your own beliefs on them especially when they were vulnerable enough to tell you about it.
Rated On: February 22, 2020 9:57 pm
Rated By: gagySy
 
     
     
  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 this soloution
Rated On: October 18, 2020 3:47 am
Rated By: Jennifer Overbey
 
     
     
  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 fully agree with this. I think the teacher was very offensive when he said, "You are in the United States..." I did not think that was appropriate or respectful of her culture. I think that he should have found a more sensitive way to approach the topic.
Rated On: October 18, 2020 7:42 pm
Rated By: beVuLu
 
     
     
  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: Making sure the student feels comfortable in everything they do is important, especially if religion is on the table.
Rated On: October 19, 2020 1:30 am
Rated By: ezesaL
 
     
     
  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: Being more sensitive and cooperative is key. In general, even if you arrive at a decision that the student would not be pleased with. You should never make them feel disrespected.
Rated On: March 7, 2021 4:18 pm
Rated By: WyJyGa
 
     
     
  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: Totally Agree.
Rated On: March 7, 2021 9:07 pm
Rated By: Kasey Miller
 
     
     
  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 would take her religious beliefs into account for group projects but she will eventually need to work with boys on projects in the future and or for her job, so I think slowly exposing her to the idea is the best solution.
Rated On: October 31, 2021 3:50 pm
Rated By: Pearl Reberkenny
 
     
     
  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: This is something I would do.
Rated On: November 25, 2022 1:50 pm
Rated By: segeRa