Pedagogy and Professional Development

Tech Pack Exchange Project: Advancing Students’ Competencies and Professional Skills Based on ITAA Meta-Goals

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Abstract

Technical design and specification development are essential competencies for students preparing for careers in the apparel industry. ITAA 2021 meta-goals for four-year baccalaureate programs (2022) emphasize the importance of specific skills and competencies including knowledge of apparel production processes and technical specification. To apply and enhance these competences in apparel design students at a large state university, a new, tech pack exchange project was developed for and completed in a senior-level technical apparel design course. The project was designed so that the teams acted as both retailers that want to produce a garment by contracting a manufacturer and as manufacturers producing a garment for a retailer based on specifications received. The project enhanced students’ competencies in apparel production processes and technical design, as well as their interpersonal and communication skills, teamwork and leadership skills, creative thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills.

Keywords: Student learning, ITAA Meta-goals, Technical apparel design, student competencies, tech packs

How to Cite:

Ghalachyan, A., (2022) “Tech Pack Exchange Project: Advancing Students’ Competencies and Professional Skills Based on ITAA Meta-Goals”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15801