Opinion Blog

Classroom Q&A

With Larry Ferlazzo

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to lferlazzo@epe.org. Read more from this blog.

An award-winning English and Social Studies teacher at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif., Larry Ferlazzo is the author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges, The ESL/ELL Teacher’s Survival Guide, and Building Parent Engagement In Schools.

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Teaching Opinion Gholdy Muhammad Champions 'Unearthing Joy' in Her New Book
The esteemed educator explains the importance of bringing joy into the classroom and incorporating it into the curriculum.
Larry Ferlazzo, February 1, 2023
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Makes for Valuable Feedback? Teachers Weigh In
Knowing how to integrate the feedback into your practice can be a transformative experience.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 30, 2023
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion Educators Need to Get With the AI Program. ChatGPT, More Specifically
AI tools offer teachers a great opportunity to prepare students for all the good—and the not so good—that they can do.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 24, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Should Students Be Allowed to Eat in Class? Here's What Teachers Have to Say
Set reasonable rules, but remember: Hungry students can’t concentrate on learning.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 23, 2023
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10 min read
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Teaching Opinion 19 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Classroom
The AI tool doesn't need to send you into a panic. It can be leveraged to help you and your students.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 18, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Classroom Cellphone Use Is Fraught. It Doesn't Have to Be
Before you confront students or assume the worst about their phone use, ask them why they are using it. You might be surprised.

Larry Ferlazzo, January 16, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion Just Because You're a Teacher Doesn't Mean You Know It All
Teachers, whether novices or veterans, can always learn something new from their students and colleagues.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 9, 2023
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18 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teachers: Give Yourself a Break. Don’t Expect Perfection, Especially in Your First Year
Looking back, veterans say they would have been easier on themselves for their shortcomings.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 5, 2023
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion ChatGPT: Teachers Weigh In on How to Manage the New AI Chatbot
Sure, the program can lead to cheating, but it can also free up teachers' time for important instruction.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 3, 2023
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion The 10 Most Popular Classroom Q&A Posts of 2022
Advice for novice teachers. Games to excite student learning. Check out these and other posts that caught readers' attention this year.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 22, 2022
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1 min read
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Teaching Opinion Lower the Bar, Stifle the Student
Teachers often choose not to push students too much because they don't want the students to get frustrated and quit. That's a mistake.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 19, 2022
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7 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teacher Expectations Play a Big Role in the Classroom. Here's How
Is it possible to find a balance between demanding too much or too little from students? These educators explore.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 14, 2022
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion Put 'Relationships Before Curriculum,' Veteran Educators Say
Teachers possess a great deal of power. Learning to use it wisely is a valuable lesson.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 13, 2022
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15 min read
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Teaching Opinion You're a New Teacher. It Can Be Messy But Also Thrilling
Educators weigh in on the best ways to set appropriate expectations for their students and themselves.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 7, 2022
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13 min read
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