In an Education Lab blog post, the writer indicated that researchers were not sure why good English teaching led to higher math scores other than that students must read and write to do math [“To raise math scores, hire a good English teacher,” Feb. 26]. I’d like to demonstrate further just why reading and writing enhances math ability.
A good English teacher must help his or students to develop good writing skills, which encompass reflection, thinking skills that are clear and concise, problem solving and or explanation through both deductive and inductive reasoning. Students also develop organizational skills to present thoughts and concepts with necessary support to be convincing, all while using good sentence structure, spelling and punctuation.
These skills, which foster clear thinking, certainly enhance mathematical thinking. Also, students must be organized, follow rules and work must be demonstrated for many math teachers.
Use of clear English enhances most academic subjects and also gives opportunities for enjoyment throughout life.
Ruthann Gedeon-Gaude, Lynnwood