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!) The first thing I would do in this situation is perhaps call Aisha's parents to become a bit more informed on her religion. I would also explain to them that in the U.S., Aisha will have to work with others besides her own gender. I would also suggest asking them if they could lend a hand in helping Aisha to learn how to interact and work with males. If the parents do not comply, I would then allow Aisha to work with female students only, since she seems to be more comfortable and productive in that manner. If the parents are willing to lend a helping hand, then I would place Aisha in groups with males, but I would also still allow her to work with only female students from time to time. This way Aisha is still adjusting to the U.S. norms, but I am still upholding her religious beliefs as well.