Parent: Dr. Malpani, I’ve always believed that getting into a top college like Harvard is the ultimate dream. It’s so exclusive, so prestigious. Doesn’t a Harvard degree open doors?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the power of branding. Yes, Harvard has created an aura of excellence. It signals that you’re diligent, intelligent, and part of an elite peer network. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: it’s exclusive by design. The whole point is to keep most students out.
Parent: Isn’t that the whole point? To separate the best from the rest?
Dr. Malpani: Or to preserve a mythology. Harvard—and other elite institutions—thrive on artificial scarcity. They admit only a tiny fraction of applicants not because the others are unworthy but to maintain their brand value. Meanwhile, there are tens of thousands of students who are just as bright, but not as lucky—or well-connected.
Parent: But what about the quality of education? Don’t students there get access to world-class professors?
Dr. Malpani: Ironically, those world-class professors are often too busy writing research papers or chasing grants to teach undergrads. Teaching is rarely their priority. Most undergrads are taught by TAs. If your child wants to really learn from the best, they can do that today—for free. Just go online.
Parent: You mean through MOOCs?
Dr. Malpani: Yes, but MOOCs didn’t change the world the way we thought they would. Do you know why? Not because the content wasn’t good—but because learning is a social process. Most students didn’t finish courses because there was no accountability, no community, and no one to share ideas with.
Parent: That’s true. My son started three Coursera courses and dropped out halfway.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. That’s why we need to go beyond MOOCs. The solution lies in Community Microschools—safe, small learning spaces right inside your community. These are run not by traditional teachers, but by facilitators who support peer-to-peer learning.
Parent: What does that look like in practice?
Dr. Malpani: Imagine a room with five students and a computer. They’re watching a free online lecture by an MIT professor. After that, they discuss what they learnt, try to solve problems together, maybe even build something using a free simulation tool. The adult in the room doesn’t lecture—he or she guides, asks questions, and helps when they’re stuck.
Parent: That sounds more human than our current school system.
Dr. Malpani: Because it is! These microschools restore joy and curiosity to learning. Students are given autonomy and agency. They choose what they want to learn, at their own pace, based on their interests. And you know what? They end up learning far more than when they’re forced to memorize things for an exam.
Parent: But how will they prove their competence? Employers and universities still look at degrees.
Dr. Malpani: That’s changing rapidly. We’re entering an era of micro-certifications and online portfolios. If your child learns to code, builds apps, or creates a YouTube channel teaching physics, that is their resume. Platforms like GitHub, Behance, or even LinkedIn allow them to show what they can do. Not just claiming it on paper.
Parent: But what about life skills? School teaches discipline, time management, and communication.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the biggest myth of all. Schools teach compliance, not discipline. Real-life skills are best learnt through apprenticeships—doing real work with real people. At Teach to Earn, we encourage students to teach others what they know. That’s the best way to learn deeply and also earn dignity—and sometimes even income.
Parent: I’m intrigued. But this sounds radical. Won’t my child miss out on the social experience of a traditional school?
Dr. Malpani: The opposite happens. In our community pods, students interact across age groups. Older students mentor younger ones. They learn cooperation, empathy, leadership, and negotiation—all in authentic settings. No school bell needed.
Parent: Still, the idea of not going to college is hard to digest.
Dr. Malpani: I’m not against college. I’m against blindly chasing degrees just for the brand. If your child wants to do deep research in quantum computing or genetics, by all means, pursue formal education. But if they want to be an entrepreneur, designer, or writer, a Harvard degree might actually slow them down.
Parent: So how do I start? I’m not a teacher.
Dr. Malpani: You don’t need to be. All you need is a small room, a fully equipped digital PC, and a caring adult. Teach to Earn helps you set up everything—from hardware to software to support. We call them learning pods. Your child—and others in your neighbourhood—can explore, learn, create, and teach.
Parent: This sounds almost too good to be true.
Dr. Malpani: It is good—and it is true. The future of education isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about access, autonomy, and agency. The tools are already here. What we need now is courageous parents like you.
Take matters into 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/