THE USE OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING AT GUILIN, CHINA'S HIGHER EDUCATION FASHION DESIGN PROGRAMMES, IN FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN COMPETENCIES

Abstract

The study examines the impact of incorporating problem-based learning (PBL) in fashion design education, with a focus on sustainability, at higher education institutions in Guilin, China. As the fashion industry faces increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices due to rising consumer awareness of social and environmental issues, there's a growing need for designers to engage with sustainable methods. The industry's quick trend cycles and intensive resource use pose environmental challenges, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices in fashion design and merchandising. A PBL project implemented in a design course prepared undergraduate apparel students for sustainable garment design. The students were assigned the task of creating original, sustainable garments. The feedback post-project was largely positive, with many students committing to sustainable practices in their future careers. This positive response underlines the effectiveness of PBL in enhancing understanding of sustainable fashion and encouraging sustainable habits. This research contributes to discussions on fashion education and sustainability, highlighting the importance of educational strategies in developing sustainable fashion design skills. It demonstrates how problem-based learning in Guilin, China's higher education fashion design programmes, effectively fosters sustainable design competencies.