Learning Through Example: Should Funanya help Marco or focus on her own tasks?

By John LockeCharacter Development2 min readGrade 8.8
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

A teacher notices that students are more engaged when they see examples of teamwork in action, rather than just hearing about it. By organizing group projects and highlighting successful collaborations, the teacher helps students learn the importance of working together.

The Choice

Should Funanya help Marco or focus on her own tasks?

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.8
Word Count
290 words
Published
Jun 7, 2025

The Dilemma

Funanya and Marco are part of a school project team tasked with creating a presentation on environmental conservation. Their teacher, Ms. Rivera, emphasizes the importance of teamwork and sets up a session where another class demonstrates successful collaboration. Inspired by the example, Marco suggests they divide the tasks equally and help each other. However, Funanya notices that Marco is struggling with his part and is hesitant to ask for help. She remembers how the other class worked together seamlessly and wonders if she should step in to assist Marco, even though it might mean taking on more work herself. Funanya

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Responsibility
vs
Compassion

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Help Marco with his tasks.

B

Focus on her own tasks.

Questions for Reflection

Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.

  1. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does observing others help us learn?

  3. 3

    Why might teamwork be important in this situation?

  4. 4

    How might John Locke advise Funanya in this situation?

  5. 5

    Can you recall a time in your own life when you faced a somewhat similar choice or feeling? What did you do?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from John Locke

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

collaboration
responsibility
empathy
Portrait of John Locke, the English Enlightenment philosopher

John Locke1632-1704

John Locke (1632-1704) was a highly influential English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most important Enlightenment thinkers. Known as the 'Father of Liberalism' and founder of British empiricism, he profoundly impacted Western pol…

Empiricism
Liberalism
Development of Empiricism (Tabula Rasa)
Explore how John Locke informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about John Locke or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Learning Through Example — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Learning Through Example — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation