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 15 Ways to Improve Small-Group Instruction
Assigning student roles, choosing the right number of members, and providing feedback are among the strategies teachers can use.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 9, 2021
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9 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Are the Best Strategies for Small-Group Instruction?
For teachers starting out, take small steps in introducing small-group instruction. Try a single strategy, and add time as you go along.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 8, 2021
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18 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
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Social Studies Opinion Teaching About Slavery in the United States? Start With Honesty
Strategies have to include teachers acknowledging what they don't know and recognizing they have to convey some ugly truths.
Larry Ferlazzo, November 1, 2021
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14 min read
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Teaching Opinion How to Keep Art Front and Center in Instruction
Three educators wrap up a series on using art in content classes by discussing their use of picture books, recycling projects, and more.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 31, 2021
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10 min read
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Teaching Opinion Strategies for Using Art in Math, English, Science, and History
Employing art to explore geometric patterns and to scaffold essay writing are among the ways educators can use art in their classes.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 25, 2021
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion 13 Ways to Use Art in Content Classes
Bringing art to assessments, to increase vocabulary knowledge, and to practice grammar are ways teachers incorporate it in their classes.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 24, 2021
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12 min read
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Teaching Opinion These Small Moves Can Make Outsized Differences in Class
"Scaffolded conversations" is one idea educators share for small and effective changes teachers can make in classrooms.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 19, 2021
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10 min read
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Teaching Opinion 6 Small Instructional Changes Teachers Can Make for Big Results
Increasing "wait time," offering students more choice, and differentiating instruction in simple ways are a few manageable changes.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 17, 2021
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16 min read
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Teaching Opinion Students Are Finally Back Together. Here's How They Feel About It
While well aware of COVID-related change, students seem to be focused on such typical high school fare as grades and college-entrance exams.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 11, 2021
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8 min read
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Teaching Opinion What Students Think About Their Third Year of Pandemic Schooling
Some are happy to be back, to be with friends and learn in person, while others prefer learning online. And worries persist over COVID.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 10, 2021
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7 min read
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Teaching Opinion Helping Our Students Achieve 'Post-Traumatic Growth'
Asking children to write about and discuss what it was like to live through the pandemic is one way to tend to students' needs.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 5, 2021
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13 min read
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Teaching Opinion 8 Ways the Pandemic May Affect Students in the Future
Emotional tolls and learning loss aren't surprising, but students honed their technology, personal, and social skills in unexpected ways.
Larry Ferlazzo, October 3, 2021
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14 min read
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School & District Management Opinion The Pandemic's Glaring Lessons for District Leaders
A lack of transparent decisionmaking and clinging to concepts like "seat hours" are among mistakes districts have made during the pandemic.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 28, 2021
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6 min read
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School & District Management Opinion 7 Mistakes Districts Have Made During the Pandemic
Arrogance and looking at students through the lens of deficits, instead of assets, are among the blunders.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 26, 2021
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14 min read
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