On the surface, it is logical to assume that success in mathematics depends primarily on numerical ability.

However, research suggests something more surprising. Reading comprehension plays a critical role in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and success in advanced mathematics. As students progress through school, the challenge is increasingly not just solving problems, but understanding them.

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The Common Assumption

Mathematics and English are often thought of as entirely separate disciplines. After all, one is about numbers, the other is about words.

For younger students, this distinction can appear quite clear. Mathematics often focuses on arithmetic, procedures and the application of rules, while English focuses on reading, writing and communication.

But as students move into the senior years, the distinction becomes far less obvious. Advanced mathematics increasingly requires students to interpret complex information, analyse unfamiliar situations, identify relevant details and apply reasoning in context. Before students can solve a problem, they must first understand precisely what that problem is asking.

This is where literacy becomes critical.

What the Research Tells Us

Researchers have consistently found strong links between literacy and mathematical performance, particularly in higher-order problem-solving.

Research published in the International Journal of Educational Research found that reading comprehension plays an important role in mathematics achievement growth, helping explain why strong readers often become stronger mathematical problem-solvers.

Similarly, a 2022 meta-analysis examining 49 studies and more than 37,000 students identified a strong relationship between reading comprehension and mathematics performance, particularly in more complex forms of mathematical reasoning.

This shift is also reflected internationally. The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) defines mathematical literacy not simply as the ability to perform calculations, but as the capacity to formulate, interpret and apply mathematics in real-world contexts.

In other words, mathematics is increasingly about thinking, reasoning and interpretation, not simply computation.

The Role of Literacy in Mathematics

When people hear the word "literacy", they often think of essays, novels and English classes. In reality, "literacy" encompasses a much broader set of skills.

Vocabulary

Students need to understand the precise meaning of mathematical language and terminology.

Comprehension

Students must accurately interpret what a question is asking before they can begin solving it.

Reasoning

Complex mathematical problems often require students to follow multi-step chains of logic.

Precision

Small differences in language can significantly change the meaning of a mathematical problem.

Interpretation

Students must be able to extract relevant information from written scenarios, graphs, tables and data.

These skills become increasingly important as students progress into advanced mathematics, science, technology and engineering subjects.

Why Students May Struggle

Many highly-capable mathematics students encounter difficulties, not because they lack mathematical understanding, but because they misinterpret the language of a question. For example:

• They may overlook critical information,
• They may misunderstand terminology,
• They may struggle to identify what is being asked, or
• They may become overwhelmed by the volume of written information embedded within a problem.

In these situations, the challenge is often linguistic before it is mathematical.

This helps explain why some students who appear highly capable in numerical tasks can find more complex problem-solving difficult. It is not necessarily their mathematics that is holding them back. It may be their ability to interpret and process information.

Beyond Mathematics

The relationship between literacy and mathematics reflects a broader truth about modern learning:

• The strongest scientists are often strong readers.
• The strongest engineers are often precise communicators.
• The strongest mathematicians are often able to interpret complex information, evaluate evidence and explain their reasoning clearly.

Increasingly, success depends not on narrow technical skills alone, but on the ability to combine analytical thinking with sophisticated communication, comprehension and reasoning.

These are the skills that universities, employers and society increasingly demand.

A Korowa Perspective

Korowa is proud to run an outstanding and highly successful STEM program. But we do not see literacy and STEM as competing priorities, we see them as deeply interconnected.

This is one of the reasons why literacy development is viewed as a responsibility across all learning areas, not solely within English classrooms.

Students are encouraged to read carefully, think critically, communicate clearly and engage deeply with ideas regardless of the subject they are studying.

We know that strong literacy supports stronger learning across the curriculum, helping students become more confident thinkers, more effective problem-solvers and more capable learners.