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.

Teaching Opinion Collaborate With Colleagues to Make It Through This School Year
Wrapping up this series on the dos and don'ts of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, three educators suggest such strategies as creating online and offline content and embracing uncertainty.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 7, 2020
12 min read
Teaching Opinion Now Is the Time to Address Education's 'Most Pressing Equity Issues'
Two educators call for schools to use this time of crisis to focus on equity issues like desegregation and community involvement.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 6, 2020
6 min read
Teaching Opinion Teachers Should 'Give Everyone Some Grace' This Fall
Three teachers offer colleagues suggestions for this fall, including showing "grace" to students, parents, and themselves and emphasizing flexibility.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 6, 2020
12 min read
Teaching Opinion Dos & Don'ts of Teaching in a COVID-19 Environment
Four educators share instructional recommendations for the pandemic-influenced fall, including setting boundaries and showing patience.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 4, 2020
17 min read
Teaching Opinion Start the Year With a 'Primary Focus' on Relationship-Building
Four educators share ideas on how to start a pandemic-effect school year, including by organizing scavenger hunts and having students share and write captions for their favorite photos.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 3, 2020
14 min read
Mathematics Opinion Q&A Collections: Math Instruction
All Classroom Q&A posts on Math Instruction (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 2, 2020
4 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Differentiating Instruction
All Classroom Q&A posts on Differentiating Instruction (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, August 1, 2020
4 min read
Teaching Opinion Steps to Make Your Students Feel Welcome This Fall
Three teachers explain how they are going to start the COVID-19-affected new school year, including by sending videos or letters to students before classes begin.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 31, 2020
12 min read
Teaching Opinion 'Memorization Often Comes Without Understanding'
Three educators highlight the role of memory in learning, such as the importance of guarding against remembering "without understanding" and being strategic about when to emphasize memorization's importance with students.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 30, 2020
12 min read
Teaching Opinion The Roles of Memorization in Teaching & Learning
Four teachers offer different perspectives on memorization in teaching and learning, including one suggesting it is the "foundation" of the creativity process and another saying she is "tormented" by the issue.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 29, 2020
9 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Assessment
All Classroom Q&A posts on Assessment (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 28, 2020
5 min read
Teaching Opinion Movement Helps Make 'Learning Joyful & Magical'
Using drama and gallery walks are among the ways to incorporate movement in teaching, say four educators who share their strategies.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 27, 2020
17 min read
Teaching Opinion Classroom Activities to Start Your Online or Hybrid New Year Strong
Katie Hull Synieski and I share a book excerpt offering ideas on building relationships as our online or hybrid school year begins, including question starters and "show-and-tell" activities.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 26, 2020
7 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Education Policy Issues
All Classroom Q&A posts on Education Policy Issues (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 25, 2020
13 min read