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 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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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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
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Artificial Intelligence Opinion How Teachers Are Using Artificial Intelligence in Classes Today
Sure, ChatGPT can be misused, but when used correctly, the AI tool can help teachers and students alike in multiple subjects.
Larry Ferlazzo, May 2, 2023
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10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English Learners Opinion Listening Is the Key to Teaching English-Learners How to Speak
That communication skill helps students master patterns, intonation, accents, word order, and conversational animation.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 27, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Student Engagement Can Be Elusive. Here's How to Help
If students don't think a lesson is relevant, they'll give it short shrift. There are ways to show them it serves a purpose.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 26, 2023
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15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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English Learners Opinion Tips for Encouraging English-Learners to Practice Speaking
Above all else, students need to feel they're in a safe environment where they can freely express themselves.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 21, 2023
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16 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion 10 Ways to Help Students Motivate Themselves
From the outset, enabling students to feel like they belong can encourage them to strive to do their best.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 19, 2023
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14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Teaching Opinion Bite-Size Advice for Teachers to Finish the Year Strong
With the school year winding down, teachers offer tips, upbeat and eager, on what to do with that time.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 17, 2023
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2 min read
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