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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 allowing Aisha to work in an all female group would be okay. I would also research more about her religion and find out exactly why she chooses not to work with males. It may also be a good way to get to know more about Aisha and her family.
 
     
     
  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 allowing her to work in an all female group but only after a discussion is scheduled for a parent conference and counselor referral. Allowing Aisha to dictate her choices will then make other students feel that they can be able to do the same. This will then cause major class disruptions and students feeling Aisha is getting preferential treatment.
Rated On: May 23, 2013 11:53 pm
Rated By: Love Joy