A EXTENSÃO NA CONCEPÇÃO DOS DOCENTES DA ÁREA RURAL DA UFPEL: CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE UMA ANÁLISE

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the conceptions about outreach projects of professors linked to the rural area of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel, Portuguese acronym) based on categories such as: functional (or traditional), procedural and critical as described by Silva (2001). Another aim was to discuss the need to adjust the epistemology in the university practices so that the critical conception is implemented. To this end, a qualitative study, which included data collection by means of semi-structured interviews with elevetn professors from the UFPel was carried out. The interviews were analyzed according to a descriptive-interpretative approach. The results indicate the prevalence of the procedural conception of outreach projects at the UFPel. The study also highlights the need of participative-dialectical methodologies for the implementation of teaching and research activities committed to the community social reality as well as the promotion of a national university identity.