Dr. Malpani: You know, I talk to a lot of parents who feel frustrated with the traditional schooling system. They see their kids buried under textbooks, constantly preparing for exams, and yet, deep down, they know that memorizing facts isn’t really preparing them for life. Do you feel the same way?
Parent: Absolutely, Dr. Malpani. My child spends hours cramming formulas, facts, and dates, only to forget them right after the test. And the competition is relentless! Schools make it seem like the only way to succeed is by scoring higher than everyone else. It’s exhausting for the kids and stressful for us as parents.
Dr. Malpani: The Problem with Cramming, Competition, and Conformity
Dr. Malpani: That’s exactly the issue. Traditional schools focus on three things—Cramming, Competition, and Conformity.
- Cramming – Schools expect children to memorize massive amounts of information, most of which they’ll never use. Instead of focusing on understanding and application, they just regurgitate information for exams.
- Competition – Instead of fostering a love for learning, schools pit children against each other. Everyone is ranked, graded, and compared. It creates anxiety and discourages collaboration.
- Conformity – Schools aren’t designed to nurture individuality. They follow a rigid system where every child must learn the same thing, at the same time, in the same way. There’s no room for curiosity or creativity.
Parent: That’s exactly what worries me! My child isn’t learning to think critically or explore new ideas—just how to pass tests. And the pressure to conform is overwhelming. Any child who learns differently is seen as a problem, rather than as someone with a unique way of thinking.
What Should Kids Really Be Learning?
Dr. Malpani: You’re absolutely right. Instead of cramming facts, kids should be developing skills that truly matter. Skills like:
- Creativity – The ability to come up with new ideas and innovative solutions.
- Curiosity – A love for learning that keeps them engaged in discovering new things.
- Critical Thinking – The ability to analyze situations, ask the right questions, and solve problems.
- Communication – Expressing thoughts clearly and confidently, whether in writing, speaking, or digitally.
- Collaboration – Working in teams, sharing ideas, and learning from each other.
- Character – Developing resilience, integrity, and emotional intelligence.
- Compassion – Understanding different perspectives and learning to care about others.
- Competence – Real-world skills like financial literacy, problem-solving, and self-learning.
Parent: That makes so much sense! But how do we actually give our kids these skills if the traditional schooling system doesn’t support it?
The Alternative: Microschools Like Apni Pathshala
Dr. Malpani: That’s where microschools come in. They are small, community-driven learning spaces where children learn at their own pace, guided by mentors instead of rigid teachers. Instead of cramming, they focus on deep learning and real-world application.
Parent: That sounds promising. But how is it different from a regular school?
Dr. Malpani: Think of Apni Pathshala as an education revolution:
- Personalized Learning – Every child learns differently, and microschools honor that. Kids are encouraged to follow their interests and explore subjects deeply rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
- Project-Based Education – Instead of just reading about concepts, students apply them to real-world challenges.
- Mentorship Over Teaching – Instead of passive learning, children engage in discussions and hands-on activities with mentors who guide their thinking.
- Technology-Powered Learning – The internet gives kids access to the best educators worldwide, breaking the limitations of traditional classrooms.
Parent: But will parents really trust this model? Won’t they worry about college admissions and career prospects?
Breaking the Myths: Will My Child Be Left Behind?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a common concern, but the truth is that alternative education is becoming the new norm. Colleges and employers today aren’t just looking for grades—they want real-world skills. Students from alternative learning backgrounds actually stand out because they:
- Have stronger portfolios showcasing real-world projects and achievements.
- Are more independent thinkers, capable of self-learning and problem-solving.
- Have better communication skills, since they aren’t just memorizing—they’re actually discussing and applying knowledge.
Parent: That’s really encouraging! So how can more parents make this transition?
Start Your Own Apni Pathshala Learning Pod
Dr. Malpani: The good news is, parents don’t have to wait for the education system to change—they can take action right now. You can start your own Apni Pathshala learning pod in your community.
Here’s how:
- Find Like-Minded Parents – Connect with other parents who want a better education for their children.
- Create a Learning Space – It can be in your home, a community center, or any safe space where kids can gather.
- Use Online Learning Tools – Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube provide world-class education for free.
- Hire Mentors, Not Teachers – Find passionate individuals who can guide children rather than dictate what they learn.
- Encourage Hands-On Learning – Let kids explore their interests through projects, experiments, and real-world problem-solving.
Parent: This sounds like a game-changer. But will parents really take that leap?
Dr. Malpani: Change starts with a few bold families. When they see their kids thriving—learning independently, solving real-world problems, and actually enjoying education— others will follow. The education revolution starts with parents who dare to think differently.
So, what’s stopping you? Start your own Apni Pathshala POD today and give your child the future they deserve!
Visit Apni Pathshala to learn how to set up a microschool in your community or contact us at contact.teachtoearn@gmail.com for more information.