EXPLORING THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF CHINESE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN STUDENTS IN THE GLOBAL STUDIO

The aim of the study is to understand transition of Chinese industrial design students from tutor-led to student-led learning environment. First, this paper summarizes the current demand for industrial design talents in China and it outlines potential limitations of teach and learning approaches in design courses in China. Secondly, the expected teaching objectives of the Global Studio course are introduced. Collected data from four surveys filled by the participating Chinese design students was used to assess whether learning objectives of the course were consistent with the student learning outcomes. The results indicate that there are differences between the expected course learning objectives and the learning outcomes. Most Chinese students were unable to make effective decisions independently in student-led learning environment. However, a large number of students were curious and interested in the student-led teaching model. This provides a new reference for the development of design education in China.