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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Artificial Intelligence Opinion Here's What Students Think About Using AI in the Classroom
As much as teens are wed to technology, these high schoolers recognize its limitations.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 19, 2023
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7 min read
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Teaching Profession Opinion What Are Binaural Beats? One Way for Teachers to Calm Their Brain Waves
Some in the field are put off by self-care talk, but these educators are finding that committing to it is bringing them a lot of joy.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 15, 2023
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion Existential Questions for Educators Right Now. Do We Even Matter?
What if educators aren't helping students progress? Post-pandemic data could help answer that question and reveal some hard truths.

Larry Ferlazzo, June 14, 2023
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8 min read
Image of support given to a student who is struggling.
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Teaching Profession Opinion It's the End of School Year. You're Tired. What's a Teacher to Do?
If you're looking to refuel, here are 13 ideas to help you thrive as a teacher.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 9, 2023
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion The Big Questions Teachers Are Asking Themselves Right Now
Teachers have lots of questions, chief among them why there's such a mismatch between teacher-prep and school district needs.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 7, 2023
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12 min read
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English Learners Opinion If the Teacher Does All the Talking, Who's Doing the Learning?
Teachers have to recognize that they are not the focal point of the classroom if they want students to gain and keep knowledge.
Larry Ferlazzo, June 1, 2023
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11 min read
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Artificial Intelligence Opinion AI Isn't Going Anywhere. Ideas for How Educators Can Make It Work for Them
The inevitability of AI requires that we teach students how to use it responsibly. If we don't, we all lose.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 31, 2023
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8 min read
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Teaching Opinion Beyond the Curriculum: Educators Reflect on Racism, Democracy, Purpose
What's the point of school? It does all and none of the things expected of the education system, one teacher concludes.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 26, 2023
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13 min read
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English Learners Opinion 'Celebrating Mistakes' and Other Ways to Help English-Learners
Using an asset-based lens, educators can support English-learners as they seek to conquer their fears of a new language and a culture.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 23, 2023
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11 min read
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Teaching Opinion 'Who Is Our Customer?' and Other Questions Teachers Are Asking
Issues of vital importance—effective curricula, the achievement gap—confront educators. Remedies are out there, but they aren't simple.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 19, 2023
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10 min read
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English Learners Opinion How to Help Long-Term English Learners Progress
Start by ditching the erroneous label and referring to the students as "experienced multilinguals" and then adjust their supports.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 16, 2023
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8 min read
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Use Knowledge-Building Curriculum to Boost Literacy
By pursuing in-depth knowledge building about specific topics, students are able to show what they can do, not just what they can't.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 12, 2023
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7 min read
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English Learners Opinion Use Practical Strategies to Improve English-Learners' Speaking Skills
Give students many chances to use the language because the greater the opportunity, the more comfortable they'll become.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 11, 2023
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion Forget Taking a Hard Line. Try 'Soft Tactics' to Spark Student Motivation
Showing students you're committed to them and their learning is a powerful tool for engagement.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 9, 2023
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11 min read
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