The paper develops a method for learning improvement which incorporates the learner in the development of the learning/instructional strategy. To this end, a rate limiting model using topographical brain mapping as an educational intervention is presented. It is suggested that such intervention programs focus on those factors which are "rate-limiters" of learning and which can be changed most effectively in the short-term. These factors are divided into those which "enable" effective learning through making the learning resources of the learner function at full capacity and those which "enhance" learning through increases in learning potential. It is suggested that traditional "study skills" instruction has focused exclusively on attempts to enhance learning through the addition of learning techniques and strategies. Brain mapping is proposed as a valuable tool not only for enabling full use of existing resources, but for making available information which engages the learner in the development of the most effective enhancement strategies. Brief discussion follows of two preliminary intervention programs, one with learning disabled college students and the other with "underachieving" 8th graders. Some examples of information that is available with the brain mapping and some of the ways in which it can be used directly are given, and directions for further research are mentioned. (Author/JAZ)