Brain-centric Design: The Surprising Neuroscience Behind Learning With Deep Understanding

by Rich Carr, Kieran O'Mahony

Teach The Way People Love To Learn Why do some employees, students, and children appear more competent than their peers? Why does it take so long to teach someone a new skill? Most institutions unknowingly train employees, or teach students using an outdated approach that relies on a punishment-reward system that doesn’t work . ( You’re probably using it right now.) This faulty approach squanders our potential, creates negative feedback loops, and leaves many with the false assumption that they aren’t “smart.” Somehow, we overlooked the fact that every human has almost the same amount of neurons and the same ability to create complex neural circuitry. To the detriment of billions of people, we ignored that everyone has unlimited potential. The good news? We don’t have to make that mistake anymore. Scientists have found that people are chemically and structurally hardwired to enjoy learning. It’s in our DNA. Most agree that this is the first time in history we have an accurate model of the human brain. Consequently, the authors believe they have refined a methodology that finally teaches the way the brain likes to learn. As trainers, educators, and parents, once we understand neuroscience on a fundamental level, it’s clear that the secret to unleashing a learner’s potential resides in the very organ we want to the brain. With Brain-centric Design (BcD), you’ll learn how to BcD’s neuroaligned teaching methodology has been successfully implemented in boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms alike. CEOs, Talent Development specialists, educators at every level and even parents have discovered how to facilitate learning that is fast, fun, easy, and produces results. Brain-centric Design halted turnover in industries with the highest attrition rates. It saved Fortune 100s millions, and helped those same organizations foster better employees in less than half the time. It revolutionized classrooms, leaving teachers astonished at their engaged and capable students. Even parents report better relationships with their children. Brain-centric Design is the product of decades of scientific research on how we acquire knowledge. It has been refined and successfully implemented by the authors, Rich Carr, and Dr. Kieran O'Mahony. Brain-centric Design hopes to not only explain the fundamental science behind how to unlock a learner’s full potential, but offer an intuitive, easy to use process for presenting information for deep understanding.

Genres: Education

291 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2019

Reviews

[Geoffrey Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any parent or teacher

A month ago, I was picking up my daughter from school, and I asked her how her day was. She said "Nothing really happened but can I share something that made me really mad and upset?" at which point she started sobbing.
After I had calmed her down, she told me:
"We had a substitute today, and when we weren't quiet he would have us write sentences saying 'I will obey the teacher.' (One wandflick away from JK Rowling's Dolores Umbridge) Near the end of class, everyone was getting loud, and I raised my hand to get a drink because I was really thirsty and the substitute singled me out to write sentences. When I JUST HAD MY HAND RAISED! After that, he asked all the students to write sentences. BUT I WASN'T DOING ANYTHING! And tomorrow he is going to leave the sentences for our teacher so that she knows who is in trouble."
I went in to meet the substitute Mr. D because it isn't like my daughter to have this sort of report. Obviously, after a day of substitute teaching, I'm sure the last thing he wanted was to talk to me. Not looking for feedback, he let me know his technique of writing sentences is something that works for him and gets the class back on track. He saw that my daughter was crying but he was convinced it wasn't him. He was really getting the boys under control because they were being "creative."
After reading Brain-centric Design, I now understand the framework in which Mr. D. was teaching from [Part 3]. And I now understand what it was doing to my kid's brain (fight, flight, freeze). Where the "creative" boys go to the principal's office, and those like my daughter will be quiet and cry at their desk.
Thank you Rich Carr and Dr. Kieran O'Mahony for bringing me this information. The model of the challenge wheel in Part 4 has changed our math homework from tears to excitement on what we are about to learn.
I encourage any parent or learning professional to pick up this book and begin changing the brains of those they are in charge of. It will result in happy kids that enjoy learning and don't need to "obey the teacher."

[Denise Griffitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Carr's Brain-Centric Design is a groundbreaking exploration of how humans truly learn, challenging traditional educational and training methodologies. By applying neuroscientific insights, Carr provides a systematic framework that transforms how information is processed and retained.

The book offers a compelling alternative to outdated lecture-based learning, breaking down complex neuroscience into an accessible, practical approach. Carr demonstrates how learning can be made effortless by engaging multiple brain regions simultaneously, rather than passively consuming information.

Key strengths include:
Scientifically-backed learning strategies
Practical applications for educators, trainers, and leaders
Insights into how the brain processes and retains knowledge

Whether you're an educator, corporate trainer, or simply curious about learning science, Brain-Centric Design provides a revolutionary perspective on human potential and knowledge acquisition. Carr's work is not just another self-help book—it's a transformative guide to understanding how we learn.