Seven Principles
for
​Professional Growth

#7: Build Horizontal Connections

The learning environment strongly promotes "horizontal connectedness" across knowledge areas and subjects, as well as to the community and the wider world.
  • ​A key feature of learning is that complex knowledge structures are built up by organizing more basic pieces of knowledge in a hierarchical way. If well constructed, such structures provide understanding that can transfer to new situations - a critical competency in the 21st century.
  • The ability for learners to see connections and "horizontal connectedness" is also important between the formal learning environment and the wider environment and society. The "authentic learning" this promotes also fosters deeper understanding.

See how Yukon educators
​Build Horizontal Connections!

Click the blue buttons below to see examples of connecting learners..
How students become more confident, motivated, independent learners by practicing the design process hand-in-hand with traditional Gwich’in ways.
by Nicole Birkeland and Aaron Bailey 
Chief Zzeh Gittlit School
How to help students become independent, self-regulated learners engaged in 21stcentury learning.
by Jane Macarthur
Elijah Smith Elementary School
How to help students know who they are and where they come from in order to re-engage with their learning.
Pat Joe
Individual Learning Centre
How to build a strong new French Immersion program within a dual-track school.

Note: this inquiry focused on fostering a learning network of a team of professionals working on their own inquiries. Professional learning opportunities were offered that developed field-based pedagogical skills, a shared vision, a common vocabulary, a commitment to student literacy learning, and a reliance on sharing practices and resources.
Nicole Doré
Selkirk Elementary School
How to benefit from integrating Education Assistants into a school-based teacher inquiry team, with a focus on literacy in primary French immersion. 

Comment bénéficier d'une intégration des EAs avec une équipe d'enseignants dans le cadre d'une démarche d'enquête centrée sur la littératie avec des élèves d'immersion de niveaux élémentaires.
Pascal St. Laurent et Véronique Boivin
Yukon Education and Selkirk Elementary School
How to effectively use my role as a specialist teacher to engage colleagues in Applied Design, Skills and Technology (ADST). This is two-fold: support student learning needs and interests as 21stcentury learners, and promote ADST to the staff for their professional practice.
Valerie Ireland
Jack Hulland Elementary School
How to facilitate students' use of high-quality digital resources with increased academic integrity, skills and creativity.
Michel Emery
FH Collins Secondary School
How to empower students to take charge of their learning, set goals, and communicate learning to their parents.
Kim Ramsey
Grey Mountain Primary School
How to connect a myriad of secondary school support strategies and services to ensure student success.
Camille Luks and Nicole Cross
Porter Creek Secondary School
How to take a collaborative approach to embedding Yukon First Nations ways of knowing and doing across the curriculum.
Monique Levesque
Selkirk Elementary School