Regarding Minoru Matsutani's Jan. 10 article "Student count, knowledge sliding": I teach university-level English conversation for first-year students and have become increasingly frustrated with my students' performance concerning the basic English that is taught in all junior highs throughout Japan.
Because of this, I was thinking of "dumbing down" the homework for next year because of the many students who fail to do and/or understand the homework. However, after reading this article, I have decided to keep it the same as I have for the past two years. I would like to thank the writer for renewing my confidence and reminding me to "stick to my guns."
If there is a Japanese translation of this article, I would ask the writer if I may post it on my class home page so that my students understand why I am giving them so much homework.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.