Understanding Alternative Schools Indias education system has attracted bouquets and brickbats in equal measure. On the one hand, there are the IIT success stories many of whom go on to head MNCs and found successful businesses in India and abroad. But on the other hand, the rote learning which is de rigueur in most schools has been blamed for the lack of creativity and innovation that the Indian education system is said to suffer from.
The system has its supporters and its detractors. Into this hugely contested space are a handful of alternative schools that seek to go against the grain. In recent years, these schools have attracted a great deal of attention as many parents seek a more relaxed and humane education system for their children. But doubts and questions about whether what they are doing is right for their child persist.
In Breaking the Mould, Kalpana Pathak unpackages the world of alternative schools. She delves deep into their philosophy, practices and curriculum. Extensively, researched, this book will satisfy all doubts that one might have about alternative schools. A directory at the end of the book lists all the alternative schools in the country with their addresses and contact details. All in all, a must-have on the bookshelf of every parent.
About the Author:
Kalpana Pathak is a journalist with Mint, Mumbai.
