Original Research

Relationships between mathematics and literacy: Exploring some underlying factors 

Carol Bohlmann, Elizabeth Pretorius
Pythagoras | Issue 67 | a73 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v0i67.73 | © 2008 Carol Bohlmann, Elizabeth Pretorius | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 October 2008 | Published: 11 October 2008

About the author(s)

Carol Bohlmann, University of Cape Town , South Africa
Elizabeth Pretorius, University of South Africa, South Africa

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Abstract

This paper focuses on Grade 7 learners in two township schools where the relationships between performance on language and reading tests in the home language and English were investigated in relation to examination performance in mathematics. In both schools reading ability rather than language proficiency in English emerged as a strong predictor of mathematics achievement. The schools serve as a case study for exploring some of the socio‐economic, teacher and classroom factors underlying differential school performance in mathematics. Because the new curriculum presupposes a highly literate environment, it is suggested that mathematics learning will be negatively affected if learners lack adequate reading skills. The findings suggest that quality schooling is a strong determinant of both reading and mathematical achievement. The new mathematics curriculum has the potential to make a difference only if schools improve learners’ literacy development.

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1. An investigation of the relationship between academic numeracy of university students in South Africa and their mathematical and language ability
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doi: 10.1007/s11858-019-01063-7