Online Modules Bias and Microaggressions: Impact, Prevention and Intervention Building Inclusivity Through Anti-Racism De-escalation Skills for Challenging Situations Historical Review of Racism in Canada Transforming Power and Privilege Unpacking and Addressing 2SLGBTQIA+ Oppression Unpacking and Addressing Ableism Unpacking and Addressing Ageism Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Asian Racism Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Black Racism Unpacking and Addressing Anti-Indigenous Racism Unpacking and Addressing Antisemitism Unpacking and Addressing Islamophobia Unpacking and Addressing Sexism and Misogyny

De-escalation Skills for Challenging Situations

This module provides an introduction to the nature of conflict, including how it begins, the ways it can escalate, and approaches for managing and reducing tension effectively. Participants will learn to recognize early indicators of escalating conflict and explore practical strategies that support constructive de-escalation. The module examines the emotional, psychological, and relational factors that influence conflict, including communication styles, assumptions, identity, lived experiences, and power dynamics.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Recognize how systemic barriers, bias, privilege, and power dynamics can influence conflict and shape individual experiences and responses.
Apply an EDIDA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Decolonization, and Accessibility) lens to understand and navigate challenging situations.
Identify strategies for fostering respectful, inclusive, and constructive interactions.
Respond to conflict in ways that promote psychological safety, belonging, and mutual understanding.
Reflect on how identity, lived experiences, and social contexts can affect communication and conflict resolution.
Support more equitable and inclusive environments through thoughtful and effective de-escalation practices.

Program Information

This module is offered in an asynchronous format; 100% online
Completion time may vary for this module
This module is free for all Western students and employees

Discover module in Brightspace

Learners can find the module using the "Discover" tool from the Brightspace homepage. The steps to access the module are:

Sign into OWL Brightspace using your Western User ID and Password.
Select the "Discover" tab from the main menu bar.

Type the name of the course, “De-escalation Skills for Challenging Situations.”
Select the "Employee" or "Student" course version accordingly.
Select “Enroll,” navigate the "Welcome!" site and follow the instructions.
To be recorded as having successfully completed the module, you must complete a quiz at the end and obtain a score of 80% or higher. The quiz can be taken multiple times until successful completion.

All content within these online training modules may be protected by copyright under the Canadian Copyright Act. Western faculty, staff, and students who have contributed to this material are subject to the Act's protections.

Screenshots and sharing are prohibited. Distribution of any part of these modules, in any form, without prior written consent from Western University is strictly prohibited.