Increasing Reading Productivity Framework for Improving Academic Reading

By Dominik Lukeš

Cognition Explorer

Interact with our dynamic map of the reading process. Visualize how manipulating, decoding, and encoding interact in real-time.

Interactive map of the cognitive processes involved in academic reading.

Use this interactive diagram to explore the complex relationships between different cognitive modes, processes, and activities involved in academic reading. Click on any node to see its definition and connections.

Text version of the interactive diagram. The map shows 9 nodes: 5 cognitive modes (Manipulating, Decoding, Pre-coding, Encoding, Re-coding), shown in blue, and 4 activities (Linear Encoding, Non-linear encoding, Skimming, Scanning), shown in grey. They are arranged in rows from top to bottom: Manipulating; Decoding; Pre-coding, Encoding, Re-coding; Linear Encoding, Non-linear encoding; Skimming, Scanning. Arrows join the nodes; selecting a node in the map shows its definition and highlights the arrows that connect it.

Definitions

  • Manipulating (Cognitive Mode): The physical and digital handling of texts, such as annotating, organizing files, and managing reading environments.
  • Decoding (Cognitive Mode): Translating written symbols (letters) into words and sentences. The basic mechanical layer of reading.
  • Pre-coding (Cognitive Mode): Activating prior knowledge, schemas, and expectations before deep reading begins.
  • Encoding (Cognitive Mode): Building a mental model or semantic map of the text while reading.
  • Re-coding (Cognitive Mode): Transforming understood meaning into new forms like notes, summaries, or synthesis.
  • Linear Encoding (Activity): Reading sequentially from start to finish. Useful for narrative, often inefficient for academic study.
  • Non-linear encoding (Activity): Building meaning by jumping through text strategically rather than sequentially.
  • Skimming (Activity): Rapid reading to identifying the main ideas and structure of a text.
  • Scanning (Activity): Searching a text for specific information or keywords.

Arrows, listed by the node they start from (relationship: target)

  • Manipulating
    • Facilitates: Decoding (dashed arrow: facilitation or support)
    • Facilitates: Pre-coding (dashed arrow: facilitation or support)
    • Necessary for: Re-coding (dashed arrow: facilitation or support)
  • Decoding
    • Feeds into: Encoding
    • Feeds into: Pre-coding
    • Active during: Re-coding
  • Pre-coding
    • Feeds into: Encoding
  • Encoding
    • Feeds into: Re-coding
    • type of: Linear Encoding
    • type of: Non-linear encoding
  • Re-coding
    • Feeds into: Encoding
    • Feeds into: Pre-coding (dashed arrow: facilitation or support)
  • Skimming
    • Develops map: Non-linear encoding
    • support: Scanning (dashed arrow: facilitation or support)
  • Scanning
    • Navigates: Non-linear encoding

How to read this map:

  • Blue Nodes (Modes): Represent state of mind or cognitive stages.
  • Grey Nodes (Activities): Represent specific actions or strategies.
  • Arrows: Show the flow of information or influence. Dashed arrows indicate facilitation or support rather than direct input.