Pattern languages

Stephen and I have been trying to articulate our approach to online work-focused inquiry based learning as a pattern language - in a nutshell architects sometimes use pattern language to support the design of buildings- you can see how a library would need a set of toilets, somewhere for books, a quiet room or two etc etc and how each element could be seen as a pattern, all of the individual patterns that go to define a library are the pattern language for the library and this language or variations on it would be identifiable in most libraries. Each pattern articulates a problem, poses a solution, reflects on its implementation and shows how it links to other patterns. We have applied this strategy to define our practice and it has proved a valuable experience so far in that the patterns provide an analytical framework and reflecting on elements like 'defining the essence of each problem' really made us think deeply about the rationale behind our approach. We are as yet less sure about the use of the patterns as a vehicle for disseminating our practice. We have put them on a blog and invited comments from anyone with a knowledge of delivering education at HE level or having experienced education at HE level. http://inquirypatterns.wordpress.com/ Please take a look if you are interested.