Edtech startup Padhle aims to transform education with innovative teaching methods

Pranay and Atharva, the two young minds behind the Edtech startup ‘Padhle’, believe that education needs a rewrite today. They are passionate about transforming education by innovating teaching methods and overcoming conventional learning barriers. Padhle's mission is to make education universally accessible, ensuring that everyone can benefit regardless of their circumstances. In an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz, Pranay and Atharva share their thoughts on the current education system, the reforms needed, and their vision for Padhle

What are your thoughts on the current education system, and what reforms are needed?

Back in the day, education followed a set script, but today, it needs a rewrite. We believe that, due to increased career options, academic marks hardly matter in order to be successful. That’s why we should embrace critical thinking over rote memorization and digital skills alongside traditional subjects. Hands-on learning and an updated curriculum could make it more relevant for students since book-based learning prepares the young minds for yearly assessments but not for being better professionals in the future. Also, the syllabus should be less focused on rote memorization and more on reasoning and critical thinking.

Tell us about your key motivation, vision, and mission behind Padhle?

Amid Covid-19, when the concept of e-learning was newly introduced, it somewhat comprises the old traditional form of boring lectures. At that time, Padhle introduced their channels to make e-learning more interesting for students, with the motivation of making education available to everyone under any circumstances. Besides that, the team provided handwritten notes during Covid for free to make students feel a little relaxed during the global crisis.

The mission and vision of Padhle are to make students learn concepts in an easy language they are comfortable with for better understanding. The lectures are more in a manner that resembles a conversation with a friend or a peer rather than lengthy school lectures. This creates a more approachable and enjoyable learning experience for students.

What challenges are you trying to address with Padhle?

Padhle aims to transform education by innovating teaching methods and overcoming conventional learning barriers, which are associated with boring teacher-like patterns, and tries to make it fun, just like getting a last-minute quick revision from your best friend or an older brother. It also focuses on addressing students' mental health and depression-related concerns associated with the board exam and teenage pressure. The platform's core mission is to make education universally accessible, ensuring that everyone can benefit regardless of their circumstances.

In response to the shifting landscape of the educational market, what changes have you made in your teaching pattern?

Padhle has undergone significant changes in its teaching approach. Rather than the traditional teacher-student model, Padhle embraced a friendlier and more relatable style, for instance, adding more slang and memes to their study material to make it easier going. Embracing technology, this platform offers online resources, interactive content, and personalised learning experiences. The content is presented in a conversational manner, fostering a more engaging and interactive learning experience.

What have been some of the most common challenges you’ve faced since introducing Padhle?

Padhle encountered some common challenges, such as establishing a strong online presence during Covid-19 and competing with giant ventures. Additionally, breaking the barriers and transforming traditional teaching methods has been a hurdle. Despite these challenges, Padhle has been committed to innovating and providing accessible and effective education.

What distinguishes your teaching approach from that of your competitors, and what unique value do you offer to your students?

Unlike traditional methods, Padhle prioritises interactive learning, making lessons feel more like conversations. This encourages a unique approach in students towards the school learning approach. The platform offers students distinctive value by focusing on their mental well-being, addressing challenges, and providing accessible education that prepares them for both academics and life beyond.

Which of your courses has the highest engagement, and how do you add value to it?

Surprisingly, right from the start, all our courses have had equally good engagement. Since we avoid confusion and make things simple for the students, there are not multiple courses on this platform since Padhle wants to avoid confusion and wants to make things easier and simpler for students. There are courses for classes 9th and 10th and a combined course for both classes. Besides that, engagement on all the courses is equally good. Though class 10 has a slight edge due to board exams, even class 9 is doing really well these days.

What are your top priorities for the following month and quarter?

Padhle wants to prepare students for their half-yearly exams by delivering top-notch study materials and engaging lectures. Additionally, this platform is dedicated to enhancing the quality of education. Looking ahead to the quarter, the focus remains on students' success in their exams and fostering a positive learning environment. Furthermore, the work will be towards realizing the business vision of promoting crash courses for November-December, ensuring students have access to intensive and effective learning opportunities.

Do you intend to add any new courses in the next three years?

Padhle aims to expand its courses by including content for students in grades 11-12 and other educational streams. Additionally, the company plans to provide crash course materials tailored specifically for college students to assist them in their exam.

What is your target age group, and what percentage of them continue from year to year?

Padhle is primarily focused on students aged 13 to 18 years. This age group belongs to the high school and early college years, where educational support and guidance play a crucial role. Remarkably, around 80 per cent of our students continue their journey with us year after year. This high retention rate shows the effectiveness of our platform in meeting the evolving needs of these students.

What are the company’s core values?

The company’s core value is to deliver high-quality educational resources to students in need and to change the way teachers teach, breaking the barriers of conventional teaching methods for the next generation.

Where do you envision the company in the next five years?

In the next five years, Padhle’s goal is to expand its reach by becoming a go-to platform for students globally. To achieve this, Padhle plans to introduce a wider range of courses for school students and those in college. By diversifying its offerings and continually enhancing its services, Padhle aims to empower more students with an accessible, effective, and innovative education.