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.

Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Want to Have Fun in the Classroom? Try Learning Games
They're valuable for a host of reasons, including assessing students' background knowledge and building a trusting community.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 18, 2022
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18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 17 Favorite Classroom-Learning Games
Educators share learning games that can be used in all subject areas.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 16, 2022
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Student Achievement Opinion No, Temporarily Closing Schools Is Not Like Invading Iraq
Are academic challenges experienced by students now primarily attributable to virtual learning or to overall pandemic stress?
Larry Ferlazzo, January 11, 2022
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5 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How to Fall in Love With Teaching Again and Other Morale Boosters
Cultivating a sense of play in the classroom is one key strategy teachers are using to combat the stress of coping with Omicron.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 10, 2022
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Teacher: 'Omicron Is Truly Bringing Education to Its Knees'
Mindfulness exercises, flexible and fun assignments, and high-interest lesson topics can make the relentless situation more bearable.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 9, 2022
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11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion How Teachers Are Coping With Omicron
Using strategies that enhance student autonomy and increasing opportunities to have fun are ways to help students manage pandemic stress.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 6, 2022
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12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Profession Opinion 18 Ways to Improve Teacher Observations
Holding pre- and post-conferences, showing more compassion and less judgment, and organizing peer observations are valuable.
Larry Ferlazzo, January 3, 2022
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19 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 8 1/2 Things That Have Been Working This Year & 6 That Haven't
Increased use of learning games, personalized learning, and peer tutors have helped. TikTok threats and student cellphone, not at all.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 30, 2021
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8 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion The 10 Most Popular Classroom Q&A Posts This Year
Here are the 10 most popular Classroom Q&A posts published in 2021.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 20, 2021
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1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion What Teachers Think Is—and Isn't—Working This School Year
For teachers, mask wearing and student enthusiasm are working, while administration pressure on them to do more is not.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 20, 2021
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13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Think Like This: Students Have the Best of Intentions
Students have taught teachers not to assume students' aims are bad, humor and compassion are to be valued, and status doesn't impress them.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 19, 2021
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11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 17 Favorite Classroom Q&A Posts of 2021
Here are Larry Ferlazzo's 17 favorite posts that have appeared here during the calendar year.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 17, 2021
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2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Want Great Life Lessons? Pay Attention to Students
Being more aware of privilege, talking less, and taking time to make judgments are a few lessons students have taught teachers.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 16, 2021
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18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion A Lesson From Students: Believe Success Is Possible for Every Learner
Believe in the potential greatness of every student and don't make assumptions are two takeaways teachers have learned from their students.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 14, 2021
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14 min read
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