Is your child back in school but still disengaged, uninspired, or just going through the motions? You’re not alone. Many parents feel stuck between outdated school systems and the pressure to conform—but what if there was a better way? A way that puts your child first, reignites their curiosity, and gives them the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Malpani speaks with a concerned parent about microschools—a bold, affordable alternative to traditional education that could transform your child’s future.
Parent: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been struggling with a dilemma. My son was so disengaged in his regular school last year. I thought it was just pandemic fatigue, but even now, back in class, he seems uninspired. He used to be curious about everything—now he’s just going through the motions. What do I do?
Dr. Malpani: I’m glad you’re asking this question—most parents don’t. They assume school is a non-negotiable, like gravity. But let me ask you a question: do you think your child is learning how to think and grow—or just how to pass exams?
Parent: Honestly? Just pass exams. And he’s good at it—memorises, writes, forgets. But he’s not really learning. It feels robotic.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the tragedy. Traditional schooling was designed for the industrial age—to produce obedient workers for factories. But we don’t live in that world anymore. And yet, our classrooms haven’t changed. Rows of desks, chalk-and-talk lectures, fixed syllabi… it’s the same outdated model.
Parent: So what’s the alternative? Homeschooling?
Dr. Malpani: Not quite. I advocate for something more powerful and practical: Community Microschools. Imagine a space where children learn in small groups, at their own pace, using tech tools that are already freely available. They explore, question, teach each other, and build real skills—not just cram for exams.
Parent: Sounds utopian. How does it work in practice?
Dr. Malpani: Surprisingly simply. All you need is a small room, a few curious children, a caring adult, and a couple of internet-connected PCs. That’s it. We call these Teach to Earn Learning Pods. They’re tech-enabled, peer-to-peer, hyperlocal learning spaces—right in your building, colony, or community center.
Parent: But what about teachers? Who’ll teach them?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the beauty of it—they learn from each other. And from the best teachers in the world—on YouTube, Khan Academy, Coursera, and other platforms. The adult supervisor isn’t a teacher in the old sense—they’re a mentor and facilitator. They ensure the kids stay on track and feel safe. But the students direct their own learning.
Parent: So no rigid timetable? No syllabus?
Dr. Malpani: Only a roadmap. The aim is mastery, not marks. Children learn coding, communication, math, science, creativity—even digital marketing—through guided exploration. And because the groups are small, each child gets attention. No child is lost in the crowd.
Parent: That sounds… wonderful. But isn’t that expensive?
Dr. Malpani: Not at all. In fact, Teach to Earn Learning Pods cost a fraction of private school tuition. There’s no fancy infrastructure or uniforms. No transport costs. No admin overhead. Just learning—pure, simple, and joyful.
Parent: What about exams? Don’t kids need those for future admissions?
Dr. Malpani: We don’t reject exams—we just put them in their place. Students can take the NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) or other public exams when ready. But we don’t obsess over tests. Instead, we help children build real portfolios—projects, videos, blogs, apps—that show what they can do, not what they memorised for one day.
Parent: But how do I know my child is progressing?
Dr. Malpani: You’ll see it. Not in a report card, but in their enthusiasm, confidence, and curiosity. In the way they talk about what they’re building. In their independence. A child who’s empowered to learn becomes unstoppable. They no longer wait for permission to grow.
Parent: And this really works?
Dr. Malpani: I’ve seen it firsthand across dozens of pods. Children who were labelled “slow” in school suddenly blossom. Kids who hated textbooks fall in love with learning again. And it’s not just academic. They develop leadership, collaboration, digital fluency—skills that will matter far more in tomorrow’s world than rote recall.
Parent: Why don’t more people know about this?
Dr. Malpani: Because it’s a silent revolution. The mainstream education system is a juggernaut—it won’t reform itself. But parents like you can vote with your feet. You don’t need a degree in education. You just need to care enough to start.
Parent: Start what, exactly?
Dr. Malpani: Your own microschool. In your home, your society’s clubhouse, or even a garage. Invite a few like-minded parents. Share a PC or two. Set up a weekly schedule. Use free online resources. Support each other. Watch what happens.
Parent: But I’m not a techie…
Dr. Malpani: You don’t need to be. That’s why we’ve created Teach to Earn—to handhold you through the process. We’ve got templates, guides, training videos, and even low-cost educational PCs. And once your pod is running, we help your students earn by teaching others. That’s why it’s called Teach to Earn—because students learn by teaching, and earn by learning.
Parent: It sounds too good to be true. Why hasn’t anyone told us this before?
Dr. Malpani: Because no one profits from it. Big schools, coaching classes, edtech unicorns—they all sell fear. “Your child will fall behind unless…” But we believe your child will leap ahead—once you set them free.
Parent (smiling): You’ve given me a lot to think about.
Dr. Malpani: Don’t just think—act. Your child doesn’t need another year of being bored and boxed in. They need a safe, nurturing, exciting space to grow into who they truly are.
Take matters in your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod — your children will not get a second chance! 👉 https://www.teachtoearn.in/start-a-teach-to-earn-learning-pod/