Problem-Based Learning in a Course on Apparel Merchandising: A Pilot Project

Originating from medical education, problem-based learning is increasingly used in other types of professional education. Tempted by the many successful experiences elsewhere, we have taken a bold step to try out this teaching approach in a course on apparel merchandising. We started with a pilot project with the objective to enhance students’ experience so as to to encourage lifelong learning and benefit the apparel business as a whole. This paper describes in details the reasons behind our decision to adopt this teaching strategy. Various factors like students’ prior learning experience and the availability of resources in the planning of a hybrid PBL course structure are also discussed. Based on the planned course structure, problem cases are identified and developed with reference to various PBL concepts and experiences. The guidelines and concept maps, which determine the contents of the problem cases, are outlined.