The talk will be delivered by Prof. Shantanu Khanna, Northeastern University

4 August, 2025, Bengaluru: The Office of Research and Publications (R&P) will host a seminar on, ‘Shaping Minds: The Transformative Effects of Theater-Based Learning’, to be led by Prof. Shantanu Khanna, Northeastern University (Economics area), at 4 pm on 14th August 2025, at P22.

Abstract: Despite progress in addressing barriers to human capital in the last two decades, significant learning gaps persist. A new line of research suggests that holistic skills are associated with positive impact on later life outcomes. However, there is little evidence supporting the effectiveness of existing traditional classroom-based instructional strategies in improving non-cognitive and socio-emotional skills. In this study, the researchers conduct a randomized control trial in 96 schools in Uttarakhand, India, to estimate the causal impact of an experiential learning pedagogy in secondary schools. The curriculum consists of a total of 15 hours of arts and theater-based instruction delivered over 10 sessions during a six-month period. The researchers measure the impact on a range of socio-emotional skills, cognitive abilities and learning outcomes.

Speaker Profile: Dr. Shantanu Khanna is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and the Department of Economics, Northeastern University. He is an applied microeconomist with research interests in labor, development and public economics. His research explores issues like inequality, hiring and wage discrimination, women’s empowerment, and the impact of public policies (especially place-based policies) on firms and workers.

Webpage Link: https://www.shantanukhanna.com/