The 8 Best Methods For Teaching Pattern Language To Predictive Forecasters

Tools for problem and solution isolation.

As a futurist and predictor I have always had an interest in patterns and pattern language as they relate to problem, and solution isolation. To be specific, a pattern is a person, place, or thing that has some recognizable, and definable element, an element that can be used for guidance or imitation. All patterns suggest a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

One of the most interesting concept relating to patterns is pattern language. The concept of Pattern Language was developed by Christopher Wolfgang John Alexander (4 October 1936–17 March 2022). Alexander was an Austrian-born British-American design theorist and architect. His theories about the nature of human-centered design, including pattern language have affected many fields beyond architecture, including:

• urban design,
• sociology,
• predictive forecasting,
• sociology,
• software design,
• … and general problem solving

Essentially, pattern language is a method of adapting description and information by arranging it to connect and convey how something recognizably exists, as well as the manner in which it impacts a specific environment.

The benefit of recognizing the unique qualities of a pattern, and the ability to isolate a problem, obstacle, or constraint, is that it provides solutions. Patterns are composed of individual parts that comprise the whole. As these elements are described, are qualified and can be fitted into a specific description of color, texture, form, and sound one can the expression of the pattern. In this way the relationship of each component part of the pattern can be connected to itself, and to others. Suddenly what was not clear to an ordinary thinker suddenly becomes both whole, and clear.

According to Alexander there are 253 “patterns” within a pattern language.

With a meta-heuristic algorithm (a computerized approach to taking millions of pieces of data, processing them through rapid trial and error, to achieve the best solution) one might be able to design an interactive flowchart in which each element in a pattern is connected to the other parts and to the whole.

Some problems, especially of a quantum nature, can’t be solved using a pattern language.

Many scientists who have used deductive and inductive reasoning to solve most problems often seek some “Unified Theory” in pattern language that just isn’t there. There is no master code that links all known patterns. Rather just as new dialects and new words enter an existing language, so do we find that an existing pattern language is constantly expanding as individuals recognize patterns within their own unique challenges.

Pattern language can be used not only as a tool for solving complex and extreme problems but as a to define expertise in many specialized fields.

Expertise can be defined in many ways but one way is by determining whether an individual has the ability to recognize patterns in, let’s say architecture, education and even computer-human interaction. This is especially valuable because so much of what we are exploring, and which addressed complex and extreme problems involves multi-disciplinary thinking.

Here we are speaking of pedagogical patterns. A pedagogical pattern is the re-usable form of a solution to a problem or task within a specific approach to teaching. Here it would be the teaching of predictive methods. Pedagogy, would be analogous to how a design pattern is the re-usable form of a solution to a design problem. Pedagogical patterns are used to document and share best practices of teaching.

Here I use a teaching style and system that reflects PEEPPASA — Practicality, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Productivity, Precision, Accuracy, and Self-awareness.

Having a theory in the lab is not enough. It is needed to be implementable in the most difficult space of all a predictive space.

Traditionally, pedagogy is the study of how children learn. Like Freud is to psychology, There are prominent researchers with seminal works on pedagogy that you can look up. In turn, you will find methods that have been created from their work.

There is no, one way to best teach forecasting. It really depends on which prominent researcher makes the most sense to you; which “school of thought” you wish to subscribe to.

When addressing these high-level patterns of teaching and group interaction, pattern language is useful for the recognition, maximizing, and actualizing the potential in any system at the lowest possible cost. To do this requires a profound understanding of available information, the unique learning, communication and interactive styles of the individuals within a group and the most effective means of presenting this information in a coherent and accessible form.

I have integrated the ideas of two approaches to pattern language in learning environments. One is the theories on Multiple Intelligences created by Henry Gardiner and in Mitchell Weisburgh’s work on Pedagogical Patterns.

Many people refer to themselves as futurists, forecasters, or prediction experts. It is not my job to say they are right or wrong in how they do what they claim to do.

In my teams I need to train my people to mix multiple Intelligences, Pedagogical Patterns, intuitive thinking and formal science. When I do this will usually focus on a specific pedagogy — a method and practice of teaching. My approach involves the design, implementation, assessment, and improvement of learning experiences for my collaborators and peers. There are many different approaches to pedagogy, and I choose those that focus on Bayes Probability, statistical specificity, and the minimizing of cognitive biases on the predictive process.

What are the 8 best methods of pedagogy as it relates to forecasting ad pattern language?

1: make a question about a pattern meaningful, up-to-date and interesting

2: Include activities, discussion, and questions to make it more interactive

3: use some audio/visual tools to maintain the interest of participants

5: let students and team members be an active part of the environment. Appreciate and acknowledge their thoughts, ideas, assumptions, emotional biases, and intellectual contributions.

6: respect different learning styles. Have the intention to understand your students, and team members and ask for feedback often so as to understand what’s work best for them

7: be approachable for discussion one to one, and away from the group.

8: … and most importantly encourage criticism, thoughts, input, and ideas for continuous improvement in your pedagogy skills!

The Takeaway

Forecasting can be guesswork for the mastery of pattern recognition. Effective pedagogies (teaching methods) for my team members involve a range of techniques, including whole-class and structured group work, brainstorming, bodystorming, studies in pattern language, the application of the multiple intelligences, artificial intelligence, guided learning and individual activity. Effective pedagogies focus on developing higher order intuitive, and critical thinking and metacognition, and making good use of Socratic dialogue and questioning in order to do so.

Here is a Medium story on this subject daveg.medium.com

Here is one from the archives @LewisCoaches

This story is an excerpt from my Module for making the best choices, from my online Course, “How to Become a Skilled Futurist”. To learn more email me at [email protected]

Author: Lewis Harrison is an executive coach and a professional futurist (forecaster). He is the creator of the Ask Lewis Mentoring Method as well as HAGT — Harrison’s Applied Game Theory. He is the Executive Director of the International Association of Healing Professionals an educational organization that offers programs around the world in Intentional Living. He is also Independent Scholar, with a passion for knowledge, personal development, self-improvement, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. You can read all of his Medium stories at [email protected].

For a decade, Lewis was the host of a humor-based Q & A talk show on NPR (National Public Radio) affiliated WIOX FM in NY.

“I am always exploring trends, areas of interest, and solutions to build new stories upon. Please share this article with others. It is appreciated.

If you have any ideas you would like me to write about, or are intested in studyin with me, just email me at [email protected] or check out all of my books, blogs, and videos through my portal www.asklewis.com

Join our Community of critical thinkers. Just Click Below…

Join my group of 18,000 influencers

I want to acknowledge Alexander Anlyan, Monica Kochar, Ahsan Akbar, Dr. Arturo Sanchez, and Mike Cook, whose posts online got me motivated to explore this subject in greater depth.

Please DONATE to support my research and philanthropic projects

Make your donation by clicking below

“I am always exploring trends, areas of interest, and solutions to build new stories upon. Please share this article with others. It is appreciated.