When William Wordsworth said, "Let nature be your teacher", he encouraged people to step away from books and traditional learning and turn to nature for wisdom. This idea challenges the strict classroom approach of conventional education. Lina Ashar, the Indian-Australian founder of Dreamtime Learning Hub in Hyderabad, brings this philosophy to life through a unique approach called micro-schooling. This method focuses on intuitive and personalised learning, allowing children to learn at their own pace instead of being bound by their age.
"This kind of skill-based education gives kids more freedom and control over their learning," says Lina. Micro-schooling involves smaller groups of students and emphasises flexible teaching, strong teacher-student connections, and customised learning plans. It combines homeschooling, online resources, and hands-on activities, which help children grow creatively, develop new skills, and thrive in a nurturing environment.
"If a child misses one foundational concept, their entire learning can become shaky. By teaching at their own pace, we ensure they fully understand each level before moving on," Lina explains. She aims to prepare children for a rapidly changing world with technology and artificial intelligence. She adds, "We don’t know exactly what the future will look like, but we know children will need the right mindset, habits, and flexibility to adapt to change."