“It’s not about what we learn, it’s about how we learn” says 24 year old Divesh Bathija, founder and director of Dinasim Learning. And we couldn’t agree more. Divesh is a young entrepreneur with a vision to change the way conceptual learning takes in our country. He argues that to understand and apply a subject in life one has to understand the basics correctly. And the blind pursuit of higher marks in exams is not going to serve any good to anyone if proper knowledge is not acquired and conceptual learning doesn’t take place. He challenges the typical ways of teaching mathematical concepts. He has developed some fun ways of leaning Mathematics with the use of different games and activities.
Divesh in an exclusive conversation with LifeBeyondNumbers (LBN), talks about Dinasim Learning and how he aims to change the way mathematics is learned and taught.
LBN: What’s the story behind the conception of Dinasim Learning?
My passion for teaching inspired me to start up with Dinasim Learning. I’ve always believed that the early formative phase of a child’s life is most crucial because that’s the time to impart lifelong learning. But unfortunately, with the current system of education, it is making all parties obsessed with competition, and thus some significant concepts remain unlearned. I set up Dinasim Leaning to bridge that gap.
LBN: Focusing on conceptual leaning of mathematical principles rather than just exam scores is the correct way. Tell us more about how you are implementing this principle.
We, at Dinasim Learning, understand that despite students scoring well and clearing examinations, there arises a need to solve questions rather than memorize solutions. We intend to bridge this gap by conducting seminars wherein students are fine tuned to understand the logic of the subject that they are studying. On developing the feel of the subject, concepts are conveniently absorbed by the subconscious mind, which are then effortlessly produced by the conscious mind of the student, during his/her exam, in the form of healthy and meaningful answers to questions raised in the question paper.
By using activities and avoiding the use of text books while solving mathematics seems interesting for every child.
LBN: Tell us a bit about the fun learning concept. How are you combining it with outdoor or indoor games like cricket, football, basketball, angry bird games, etc.
Dinasim relate every game which involves use of numbers. For example we use games such as the game of darts to teach the concept of average, where children are made to understand why there is a need for such concepts in the subject. Angry Birds game is used to teach decimals, where different colored birds have different values such as red would carry 1.25 point, green would carry 0.5 while a yellow bird would carry 0.75 points. Students get 2-3 chances to shoot at these birds and then are asked to calculate their total score. This helps them play and learn rather confusing concepts like decimals very easily in a playful manner.
LBN: How do you view the ways of learning in the current education system in our country. What kind of a mindset shift is required for implementation of better and more effective ways of learning?
People are restricted to the old methods of learning and are very skeptical to explore new learning techniques. Everyone is so obsessed with scoring marks that accepting a change seems very difficult for them, almost impossible. An entirely new approach has to be adopted in Dinasim and developed which focuses upon innovation and practical aspects of education.
LBN: Today’s kids seem to have too much going on with their school learning, tuitions, assignments, et al. It seems too hectic and unproductive in the long run for the growth and overall development of children. What is your view?
Yes, I agree. Today’s generation of kids are losing out on the fun. They are too busy with activities and a hectic schedule that they don’t get time to play and explore. That’s one of the reasons why Dinasim Learning has developed the fun ways of learning. We allow kids to enjoy the learning process and learn the most crucial subject of Mathematics. We also intend to minimize the use of technology.
LBN: What kind of response/feedback are you getting from students? How parents, teachers, schools responding to this way of learning?
Students find Dinasim way of learning very easy since they are playing a game/activity rather than reading from a textbook. They have started showing more of a practical approach, where they not only learn the subject but also feel the subject.
LBN: Any message you’d like to send out to our readers?
Education has lost its essence in India, where knowledge has taken a backseat while marks are in the limelight. Scoring marks does not assure a secured future, knowledge does.
Click here to visit Dinasim Learning
Divesh Bathija’s mission to bring fun into learning and impart conceptual understanding of mathematics is one to look out for. We would love to see him succeed in getting children out to the playgrounds to play and learn at the same time. Team LifeBeyondNumbers wishes Divesh and his venture all the success!