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.

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
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Teaching Opinion Eight Ways to Use Movement in Teaching & Learning
Educators share ideas on how to use movement with students, including for learning vocabulary.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 24, 2020
14 min read
Education Opinion Video: Tips for New Teachers This Fall
During this unusual teaching year, in which where and how teaching will take place is up in the air as a result of COVID-19, I offer recommendations to new educators entering the profession.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2020
1 min read
Teaching Opinion Ways to 'Break Down Walls Between Classroom & Community'
Three educators share ways to connect their students to community engagement, including through project-based learning and community-service projects.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 22, 2020
12 min read
Education Opinion Q&A Collections: Writing Instruction
All Classroom Q&A posts on Writing Instruction (from the past nine years!) are described and linked to in this compilation post.
Larry Ferlazzo, July 21, 2020
7 min read
Teaching Opinion Three Ways to Bring the Classroom to the Community
Four teachers share their strategies to help students improve their communities, including through "Structured Academic Controversies" and "Genius Hours."
Larry Ferlazzo, July 20, 2020
14 min read