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 would suggest trying one or two more rounds of incorporating males into her group. Perhaps only have 1 male whom you feel would be the best fit and allow her to be more open. Ultimately accommodating her currently in the classroom setting seems most optimal for her to learn and be a willing participant. It may be helpful to Aisha also if the teacher explains to her that going forward in life most others don't hold her same religious beliefs and that some places may not be accommodating of her wishes to only work with females. Letting her know early on that her beliefs may cause challenges for her will let her know what to expect and how to prepare for those situations.