Star Performer: ‘I have discovered that I stay interested when I treat learning as a game of logic’

What is real academic achievement beyond a grade report or an exam paper? In this introspective discussion, Sanavi Sudeep Rai, a student of Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, brings her own experiences, the lessons she has learned in her classroom and her reflections on learning beyond rote-learning to the forefront. Through experiences of growing self-belief to learning with fun, the discourse provides an insight into the habits, influences and school environment that enabled the student to blossom. Read edited excerpts: 

Do you believe understanding concepts is more important than memorising answers? Why?

Yes, I have felt this way since I was very young. Memorisation is incredibly time-consuming and, more importantly, it doesn’t provide a stable foundation. If the basics are weak now, it becomes difficult when we study the topic in detail later. In exams, answers are usually based on understanding and application rather than exact textbook lines. Knowing the “why” behind a concept is what actually prepares you for those challenges.

Which habits helped you stay curious and interested in subjects throughout the year?

I have always found that I stay interested when I treat learning like a game of logic. If I can understand the reasoning, I don’t have to stress remembering. I am a big believer in active note-taking because it keeps my brain ‘switched on’ during my classes. If I find a gap in my understanding while reviewing those notes later, I know exactly what questions I need to ask.

Was there a particular teacher or classroom experience that inspired you academically?

Yes, I was motivated by many teachers throughout my academic journey. One teacher who really inspired me was my Maths teacher in 6th grade. She told us that Maths is like a game where you keep levelling up. That completely changed the way I looked at the subject. Even though I was initially uneasy about Maths, I stopped treating chapters like just pages of information and started seeing them as levels to conquer.

I also carry a piece of advice from another teacher with me: “A student must take the utmost advantage of their teachers while in school and absorb all the knowledge they can, because we will not follow you into your future.” It reminded me that learning is an opportunity I need to seize right now.

How did the environment at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, support your learning and confidence?

What I appreciate the most about my school is how the teachers treat our curiosity. They never dismiss a question; instead, they stay with you, explaining the logic until the concept finally clicks. Outside the classroom, the morning assemblies gave me a platform I didn’t know I needed. It’s where I really found my voice and built my confidence in public speaking. Having that kind of personal support, paired with high-tech classrooms that make lessons come alive, makes coming to school something I actually look forward to.

What mistakes do students commonly make while preparing for exams?

I think one common mistake students make is focusing only on completing the syllabus instead of actually understanding the concepts. Many students also study for very long hours, and while that can be helpful, I personally feel that without proper concentration, it becomes less effective than quality study.

Apart from this, I have also noticed that many students are extremely knowledgeable but sometimes struggle to express their answers effectively due to a lack of confidence in their understanding. Instead, they should try to explain answers in their own words and not depend completely on memorised wording.

If you could redesign the “perfect way to study,” what would it look like?

According to me, the perfect way to study is to actively learn in the classroom itself. I make notes while the teachers are teaching so that revision becomes easier during exams. I do not follow a very strict daily study schedule, but I strongly believe in quality study over long, unfocused hours. I believe if I stress myself out with heavy loads of daily study, I may burn out and lose interest in the long run. I usually plan my revision according to the syllabus and exam pattern. Studying should be about focus, not just time spent at a desk.