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!) It seems that most people agree that contacting the parents to further learn about their beliefs and the restrictions associated with them would be the first thing a teacher should do. I believe that having the ability to work and co exist with all genders, as well as other cultural differences is imperative in American culture. I am sure that if either/both parents work outside of their home, they have had to make adjustments as well. Discussing with them the available options, and then discussing how to best work within the guidelines of the project/classroom is a good first step.