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THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING STUDENTS'
PROJECT COMPETENCIES: A CASE STUDY OF
LAYLI AND MAJNUN
Komila Timurovna Abdullaeva
Senior lecturer, Samarkand International University of Technology,
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
E-mail: komila.abdullaeva@siut.uz
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14908662
Abstract
: This study explores the role of theatrical performances in developing students'
project competencies at Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT). Through
participation in the university’s theatre, OLTIN MEROS, students engage in project-based
learning, enhancing essential skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking,
leadership, and time management. The upcoming English-language performance of Layli and
Majnun serves as a case study to illustrate how artistic engagement fosters professional and
academic growth. The findings suggest that integrating theatre into educational programs
strengthens students’ ability to manage complex projects, adapt to collaborative environments,
and refine their communication skills, making it a valuable pedagogical tool for competency
development.
Keywords:
Theatrical performance, project-based learning, student competencies,
teamwork, communication skills, leadership, SIUT, Layli and Majnun.
Introduction
The integration of arts and education is a powerful approach to fostering essential skills
in students. At Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT), the university’s
theatre,
OLTIN MEROS
, serves as a dynamic platform where students showcase their artistic
talents and develop project competencies. This article explores how SIUT students’
participation in the upcoming English-language performance of
Layli and Majnun
contributes
to their overall educational and professional development, aligning with project-based learning
methodologies.
The Uniqueness of SIUT and Its Contribution to Project Competency Development
Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT) stands out as a pioneering
institution in Uzbekistan’s educational landscape. In May 2024, the Association of Marketers of
Uzbekistan awarded SIUT the prize and certificate of the Brand of the Year in the field of
education, recognizing it as the most dynamic and dynamically developing university.
One of SIUT’s key strengths lies in its diverse faculty, consisting of more than 50
professors from 18 different countries. This international academic environment enriches
students’ learning experiences, offering them diverse perspectives and methodologies that are
crucial for developing project competencies in global settings. Additionally, SIUT boasts a
strong international-level research base, providing students with advanced resources for
research and development.
Another distinguishing feature of SIUT is that it is the first English-speaking technical and
technological university in Uzbekistan. This unique positioning ensures that students are
prepared to work in international contexts, possessing strong language skills in English,
Chinese, and Korean. Furthermore, the university has a notable focus on gender inclusivity in
STEM fields, with more than 35% of its students being women who are preparing to become
highly skilled engineers with multilingual capabilities.
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SIUT also excels in digital and research resources. Its university library took second place
in electronic resources among all universities in Uzbekistan, demonstrating its commitment to
providing students with cutting-edge academic materials. These exceptional resources
contribute to a strong foundation for project-based learning and innovation, enabling students
to develop the necessary competencies to manage and execute complex projects successfully.
Project Competencies in Theatrical Productions
Project competencies encompass a range of skills, including teamwork, communication,
critical thinking, leadership, and time management. Theatrical performances require
meticulous planning, coordination, and execution, making them a natural fit for project-based
learning. By participating in
Layli and Majnun
, SIUT students engage in a structured yet creative
project, honing skills that are transferable to various academic and professional fields.
The Role of
OLTIN MEROS
Theatre
OLTIN MEROS
provides students with opportunities to participate in all aspects of
theatrical production, from acting and directing to stage management and set design. This
hands-on experience enhances their ability to collaborate effectively, solve problems creatively,
and manage projects efficiently. Furthermore, performing in English adds an additional layer
of skill development by improving students’ language proficiency and public speaking abilities.
How
Layli and Majnun
Enhances Project Competencies
Teamwork and Collaboration
– Students must work closely with peers, faculty, and
mentors to bring the performance to life, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and
cooperation.
Communication Skills
– Memorizing lines, delivering dialogues with emotion, and
engaging with the audience in English improve verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
Time and Resource Management
– Rehearsals, stage setups, and coordination with
technical teams require students to manage their time effectively and allocate resources wisely.
Creative and Critical Thinking
– Adapting classical literature for a modern audience and
portraying complex emotions help students think critically and innovate within given
constraints.
Leadership and Problem-Solving
– Students take on leadership roles, addressing
unexpected challenges during rehearsals and performances, which strengthens their decision-
making abilities.
Educational and Professional Impact
Beyond academic benefits, involvement in theatre prepares students for future careers by
equipping them with soft skills highly valued in the professional world. Employers increasingly
seek candidates who demonstrate strong communication, adaptability, and leadership
qualities—skills that students cultivate through theatrical performances.
Conclusion
The performance of Layli and Majnun at SIUT’s OLTIN MEROS theatre exemplifies the
effectiveness of integrating artistic expression with project-based learning. SIUT’s unique
positioning as an internationally recognized, English-speaking technological university
provides an exceptional environment for students to develop key project competencies. By
participating in such initiatives, students not only enhance their creative abilities but also
develop critical project competencies that will serve them in academic, professional, and
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personal contexts. As SIUT continues to foster innovative educational experiences, theatre
remains a valuable tool for holistic student development.
Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar/Используемая литература/References:
1.
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991).
Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning.
Educational
Psychologist
, 26(3-4), 369-398.
2.
Kolmos, A. (2009). Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning. In R. MacLean & D. Wilson
(Eds.),
International Handbook of Education for the Changing World of Work
(pp. 2615-2637).
Springer.
3.
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. The Autodesk
Foundation.
4.
Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Teaching for critical thinking: Tools and techniques to help
students question their assumptions. Jossey-Bass.
5.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1996).
Creativity: Flow and the psychology of discovery and invention.
Harper Perennial.
