During the school term, most students are taking more than one course. If the courses are part of a program this presents another opportunity for what we call horizontal integration; the students will have the potential for shared experiences across multiple courses in the same term. While vertical integration works with preceding and subsequent courses, horizontal integration works with concurrent or parallel courses with complementary learning outcomes. Not every term offers this opportunity but when it does, the enhanced learning provided to students is well worth the effort.
Why even think about doing horizontal integration? It does require significant effort. It does require you to work with other instructors. There are issues when instructors change and issues around sustainability. There are also more flies in the ointment. Horizontal integration can provide a connection between topics in real time, not term to term. It can provide the larger context, not just the material isolated in one course as if the material stands by itself. As with vertical integration, the students experience a team effort from the department which reinforces the importance and value of the topic being taught. Good horizontal integration strategies are shared experiences, examples, case studies, and assessments which can be richer and more holistic for the students. From another angle, horizontal activities mix it up for the students, allowing them to possibly work with other students , which makes it more interesting, and improves motivation. It also gives immediate feedback and the opportunity to practice the material in another context. The latter is important for learning and reinforcement.
Similar to vertical integration, there are multiple ways and forms that horizontal integration can take place.
