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!) I think that students should always feel welcome to voice their opinions. In this case, Aisha has come forth and explained her reasoning for not wanting to be in a group with boys. Furthermore, she has a valid point--she rests her premise on religious reasons. Therefore, the teacher must be willing to hear her out. Scheduling a meeting with the parents and administration would also be a pro-active decision to make. This would allow clear communication between everyone in order to precisely understand the situation from all angles. This meeting would also be a great way for school personnel to better understand the student's culture and background while bridging an alliance between home and school.