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."
iStock/Getty
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
•
1 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
•
13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
•
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
•
2 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
•
18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
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
•
14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion What Important Lessons Have You Learned From Your Students?
Ask for feedback and act on it. Drop the words "try harder." Watch your explanations. Those are just a few lessons teachers have learned.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 13, 2021
•
14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Who's the Teacher? 14 Lessons Students Taught Their Teachers
Resilience and the importance of being observant are among the many lessons students have passed on to educators over the years.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 9, 2021
•
15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion 'What Are You Doing to Help Students Understand Systemic Racism and Combat It?'
Creating the conditions for effective dialogues and incorporating student voice are two ways to help students become anti-racist.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 7, 2021
•
11 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion Anti-Racist Teaching Strategies for Predominantly White Schools
Creating common vocabulary and safe places for students and strengthening their critical-analysis skills support anti-racist teaching.
Larry Ferlazzo, December 4, 2021
•
12 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion Want Students to 'Build a Better World?' Try Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning
The practice includes expanding students’ networks and developing their awareness of what it feels, looks, and sounds like to manage emotions.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 29, 2021
•
19 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Student Well-Being & Movement Opinion Culturally Responsive Social-Emotional Learning: How to Get There
Bringing culturally responsive SEL into class can't be done as an add-on. It needs to be integrated into daily routines and academic work.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 26, 2021
•
14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion How Small-Group Instruction Benefits Your Teaching
Small-group work can provide opportunities for reteaching, student practice, and formative assessments.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 15, 2021
•
15 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Small-Group Instruction: Work It for Your Students—and You
Gradual release of responsibility to students, personal learning plans, and formative assessment are successful components for small groups.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 14, 2021
•
15 min read
Load More ▼