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 feel that this situation is unique and shouldn't be forced upon a student. I feel that religous beliefs are pertinent and although the teacher may not know the religion -it is time to do some research. Aisha clearly has some differences with group work and possibly some barriers. Therefore, I feel that getting the parents involved and keeping them involved will help rectify the situation and hopefully bring some comfort. Understanding the situation is key along with doing the appropriate research, speaking with Aisha about the importance of class collaboration/group work and getting her input fully. Maybe accommodating her until further research, parent involvement and student input is evident and sort through could be the best steps in this specific situation.