LIGHTS! CAMERA!! ACTION!!! VIEWS ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA

This paper puts forth how theatre /drama, which is one of the methodologies of experiential learning can be used as an effective communication tool to enhance communication skills in students of higher learning institutes. The nation's competitiveness is created by the technical and non-technical skills possessed by the youth of the country. Higher education plays a critical role in shaping these skills. Up skilling can be done through various methods. Experiential learning is just one of them. Experiential learning is different from rote or traditional forms of learning. Simply put, it is learning through experience. It surpasses discipline-specific skills and extends towards skills necessary to succeed in life as well as the corporate world. Grounded in experience, it not only increases communication skills but also leads to active reflection by learners. Soft skills today are valued skills. The methodology used is qualitative content analysis.