Pedagogy of Kindness explores how kindness, compassion, and mindful relational practices can contribute to more supportive, inclusive, and meaningful educational experiences. Aligned with the EDCON 2026 theme, this interactive workshop invites educators and education professionals to reflect on how everyday interactions, communication, assessment, and feedback can be shaped by compassionate and ethical approaches to teaching and learning.

The session will introduce key principles of Pedagogy of Kindness and encourage participants to explore what kindness means within their own educational contexts. Through dialogue, reflective check-ins, practical teaching examples, and interactive tools such as Mentimeter, participants will have opportunities to share experiences and explore approaches that can be applied in their classrooms and professional environments.

The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Saher Ali and Dr. Leanne Shibata, bringing together extensive expertise in higher education, innovative teaching, academic learning, and compassionate educational practice.

Dr. Saher Ali has over 20 years of experience in higher education and is a traditionally trained scientist with expertise in anatomy and physiology education. Currently at Torrens University Australia, her research interests include biomedical education, digital literacy, and academic integrity. She holds a doctorate from RMIT University and has specialised training in anatomy and physiology pedagogy, with a focus on enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through innovative teaching approaches.

Dr. Leanne Shibata is a Senior Advisor in Academic Learning Capability Development at Torrens University Australia and is affiliated with Edith Cowan University. Her qualifications include SFHEA, PhD Candidate, MEd, GradCertLT, and MHFA, reflecting her extensive experience in higher education learning and teaching.

Participants will leave the session with a practical idea or strategy they can apply within their own educational context, while reflecting on the importance of kindness, connection, and meaningful human relationships in education.