Community microschools and digital learning pods are powerful, parent-led alternatives to the factory-schooling system. Yet, many parents hesitate to explore them. Why? In this article, Dr. Malpani sits down with an intelligent but hesitant parent to unpack this reluctance using the “5 Whys” approach. The aim? To break down mental roadblocks and build a path forward.
Parent: Dr. Malpani, I’ve read about your Teach to Earn Learning Pods. The concept sounds promising, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s practical for someone like me.
Dr. Malpani: Thank you for your honesty. You’re not alone—many parents feel the same way. Let’s use a method called the “5 Whys” to explore your hesitation. May I ask you a few questions?
Parent: Sure. Let’s try it.
Why #1: Why are you reluctant to try community microschooling?
Parent: Because I’m worried it’s not a “real” school. What if it doesn’t work out and my child falls behind?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a valid concern. Let’s dig deeper.
Why #2: Why do you feel it wouldn’t “work out”?
Parent: Because there’s no official curriculum, no exams, no report cards. Without structure, how can I track progress?
Dr. Malpani: So your concern is about accountability and standards. Got it. Let’s go further.
Why #3: Why do you equate exams and report cards with quality education?
Parent: Because that’s how I grew up. That’s how we measured success in school. Without those benchmarks, how do we know a child is learning?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a belief ingrained in most of us. But let me ask you this—do you remember your 10th-grade history marks?
Parent (laughs): Not at all. But I do remember the teacher who encouraged me to think for myself.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Learning isn’t about marks—it’s about curiosity, creativity, and competence. Let’s go deeper.
Why #4: Why do you think traditional school is the only place where learning happens?
Parent: I suppose because that’s the default. Everyone sends their kids there. It’s familiar, safe—even if flawed.
Dr. Malpani: Familiar doesn’t always mean effective. Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean it’s the best path.
Why #5: Why are you afraid to take a different path for your child?
Parent (pauses): Because if I take a risk and fail, I’ll be blamed. At least if I follow the herd and something goes wrong, I’m not alone.
Dr. Malpani: So it’s about fear—of failure, of judgment, of being alone. That’s perfectly human. But do you want to raise your child to follow the herd too? Or to lead and thrive in a world that values innovation and self-direction?
Parent: That makes sense, but I still don’t know how to start. I’m not an educator. I’m just a parent.
Dr. Malpani: That’s all you need to be. You don’t need to be a teacher. You just need to care enough to create a space where learning can happen—on a computer, at your dining table, in your community.
Parent: But what about curriculum, devices, mentorship?
Dr. Malpani: That’s where we come in. The Teach to Earn program gives you everything you need:
- A powerful Apna PC preloaded with free educational tools, including an AT tutor
- A community of other pod parents to support and guide you
- Templates, timetables, and tools to help kids track their learning journeys
- And best of all, freedom—to adapt learning to your child’s pace, interest, and strengths
Parent: And what if I still want to keep my child in school?
Dr. Malpani: That’s perfectly fine. You can run your pod after school, on weekends, or during holidays. It doesn’t have to be either-or. It can be both—and. You’re not burning bridges—you’re building new ones.
Strategy to Overcome Parental Objections
Here’s what we recommend to parents like you who are curious but cautious:
✅ Start Small: Begin with a weekend learning pod or an after-school hours pod. Invite 2–3 children from your building or society.
✅ Use Our Tools: Download our free toolkit and explore one project per week using the Apna PC.
✅ Measure Differently: Forget marks. Track excitement. Is your child asking better questions? Showing more curiosity? That’s growth.
✅ Join the Movement: You’re not alone. Hundreds of pod parents across India are doing this. Share stories, ask questions, and get help.
✅ Empower, Don’t Replace: This isn’t anti-school—it’s pro-child. If your school isn’t giving your child wings, it’s time you did.
Parent: You’ve given me a lot to think about. Maybe it’s time I stopped outsourcing my child’s education and took more ownership.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the spirit! Remember, education is too important to leave entirely to schools. You have more power than you think. And your child has more potential than school ever measures.
Final CTA:
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/