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Sahra Barre Mohamud — Understanding and Supporting Generation Alpha in Education

2pm to 3.15pm, 12-199 (Boardroom)

In a time marked by rapid technological change, social uncertainty, and shifting global realities, young people are navigating an educational landscape unlike any before them. Sahra’s presentation offers a critical and timely response to the challenges facing Generation Alpha, asking how educators can better understand and support this emerging cohort of learners. Rather than framing young people through a deficit lens, the research emphasizes aligning educational practices with the skills, creativity, and digital fluency that Generation Alpha already possesses. By centering adaptability, empathy, and forward-thinking pedagogy, this session challenges educators to grow alongside their students, making it one to definitely watch on Day 1.

Sadia Anjum — Rebuilding Solidarity: Lateral Violence, Root Causes, and Recommitting to Anti-Racism

2pm to 3.15pm, 12-115

Sadia’s presentation takes an analytical and systemic approach to examining how structures such as capitalism, neoliberalism, and racism intersect to produce profound disadvantages for racialized women. By unpacking the root causes of lateral violence and internalized oppression, the research situates individual experiences within broader political and economic systems. This critical lens not only exposes how inequities are maintained but also calls for a recommitment to anti-racist practice grounded in solidarity and collective accountability. For those interested in understanding how systemic forces shape lived realities, this presentation promises to be both intellectually rigorous and deeply necessary.

Tuaha Mubarak — Academic Freedom in an Age of Scholasticide Denial - Critical Geopolitical Literacy in Higher Education

2pm to 3.15pm, 11-164

The term “scholasticide” immediately stands out as both striking and unsettling. Tuaha’s presentation uses this powerful concept to draw attention to the destruction of educational institutions, knowledge systems, and literacy in contexts of conflict and political suppression. At a time when literacy rates are declining in various parts of the world and academic freedom faces mounting pressures, this session invites us to consider what it means to defend education as a public good. By advocating for critical geopolitical literacy in higher education, the research outlines pathways for revamping literacy practices and equipping students with the analytical tools needed to navigate global realities. It is a bold and creative intervention that reframes literacy not just as a skill, but as a site of resistance and renewal.

As you can see, Day 1 promises to set the tone for a conference rooted in critical inquiry and transformative possibility. These three presentations remind us that education is not static; it evolves with each generation, each struggle, and each act of courage. Come curious, leave inspired, and be part of the conversations that will help shape what education can become.

Rafiel Rajinthrakumar is an independent writer, whose work focuses on critical pedagogies, teaching, popular culture, and sports. He is a second-year student in the Master of Teaching (MT) program at OISE and resides in the Greater Toronto Area.