Pedagogy and Professional Development

“This Time It’s Sticking Because of How Immersive It Was”: Apparel Students’ Deep Learning about the U.S. Cotton Supply Chain and Sustainability

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Abstract

Understanding the intricacies of a robust and responsible supply chain is critical for future apparel professionals. This study developed an immersive project to facilitate deep understanding of the U.S. cotton supply chain through experiential learning. Implemented in a junior-level sourcing course, the project integrated the following components: student research using CottonWorks materials; a three-day field trip to North Carolina manufacturers, development of short educational videos by student teams, and reflective essays. Following IRB approval, qualitative data were collected from pre- and post-project reflective essays completed by 33 students, and open-coded collaboratively. Four themes emerged: (1) Deepening My Understanding of the Industry; (2) Equipped and Responsible Professionals; (3) Informed and Empowered Consumers; and (4) Immersive Learning. The findings illustrate that in an immersive environment, learning reaches a deep and meaningful level allowing students to grasp complex phenomena, thereby helping them contextualize abstract concepts and develop a true understanding of interconnected processes.

Keywords: sustainability cotton, supply chain, immersive learning, sustainability, coton, field trip

How to Cite:

Karpova, E. E., Hodges, N. J., Nasibli, N., Singh, K. & Weinshilboum, E., (2025) ““This Time It’s Sticking Because of How Immersive It Was”: Apparel Students’ Deep Learning about the U.S. Cotton Supply Chain and Sustainability”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21747