One variety of learning a pattern I notice you didn't mention is backward shaping. I don't see it much in the karate world – I learned it in dog training, and see it used often in learning music for performance. Basically, you break the kata into chunks as if you were learning it chronologically, but then you learn those chunks in the opposite order. So if the kata is moves 1-50, you learn 42-50 first, when you have that down, you learn 35-42 and practice 35-50, and so on. This can weird a lot of people out if they're not used to it, but it's very effective. Every time you practice the kata, you're moving from the parts you know least well to the parts you know best, and that adds a lot to security.

Good post. But then, they always are.

A more important point though is knowing what kind of learner you are. I have discovered that I am a kinesthetic learner rather than a visual learner. You can demonstrate a kata combination or self-defence technique to me until the cows come home and I probably still won't remember how it started! But if I copy the movements whilst standing next to you I'll pick it up pretty quickly. I think instructors should try and identify which students can learn visually and which can't and ensure they offer appropriate instruction to both.