Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Development and Implementation of a Cross-Course Collaborative Project on Cotton Sustainability: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

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Abstract

The study developed a cross-course collaborative project to support students’ basic psychological needs while enhancing their motivation to engage with cotton sustainability issues. The project’s impact on student learning outcomes (i.e., knowledge and skills) related to cotton sustainability was assessed using pre-test and post-test surveys completed by 102 apparel students enrolled in one of three selected textile and apparel (TA) courses at a Mid-Southern university. After participating in the project, students reported increased levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness with their team members. Findings from the present study have important implications for educators in TA programs. By fostering a supportive learning environment that addresses students’ basic psychological needs, educators can effectively enhance student engagement and competence in sustainability practices, better preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the TA industry and contribute to sustainable development.

Keywords: cotton sustainability, autonomy, competence, relatedness, self-determination theory

How to Cite:

Hixson, S. W., Cho, E. & Kim, K., (2025) “Development and Implementation of a Cross-Course Collaborative Project on Cotton Sustainability: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18582