Participants at The Arc of Riverside County are building stronger communication and conflict resolution skills through an engaging new learning opportunity offered in partnership with North Orange Continuing Education.
Participants are currently enrolled in the course Social Skills: Conflict Management and Resolution. While the class is not for college credit, participants gain the full experience of taking an online college-style course by attending weekly sessions via the college’s Zoom portal.
Each week, students log in to connect with classmates from other ARC locations who are enrolled in the same course. Together, they discuss different types of conflicts they may encounter at home, at work, or in the community and practice strategies for responding in healthy, productive ways. Through role-playing activities and group discussions, participants explore how to manage emotions, resolve disagreements, and communicate assertively.
The class also encourages peer learning. Participants share coping strategies from their own experiences, helping one another discover practical ways to handle challenging situations. Some students even take turns reading PowerPoint slides aloud during class, building confidence and public speaking skills along the way.
In addition to attending weekly sessions, students complete online homework assignments that are graded by the instructor. While staff are available to support them when needed, participants take responsibility for completing their own work.
This course not only strengthens social and communication skills but also provides participants with a valuable opportunity to experience an online learning environment, build independence, and connect with peers across programs.
