O potencial inovador de ações extensionistas refletido nas práticas docentes de cursos de graduação da UVA-CE: o caso das Ligas Acadêmicas

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the innovative potential of outreach programs in the teaching practices from Academic Leagues of the Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú (UVA). Reflections on teaching and learning are not recent, but there are still many issues that must be addressed by scholars and professors. When teaching moves away from the simplistic idea of transmitting isolated facts, it can be considered a complex activity. Undergraduate Academic Leagues in the field of health is a common practice in Brazilian universities. Many studies have pointed to the importance of the Leagues for the academic development of students, but few studies have addressed the topic and fewer have analyzed the impact of these actions on teaching practices. To meet our objectives, the present study used a qualitative and descriptive research approach. Data were collected using the documentary research method, semi-structured interviews with professors, and focus-group interviews with students from four Academic Leagues at UVA. After each interview and focus group, the narratives were transcribed and analyzed using the Content Analysis technique. The results indicate that the outreach program innovates the pedagogical practices as it provides integrated understanding between theory and practice, promotes active participation of students and professors, favors the reconfiguration of knowledge, and provides mediating processes. The professors participating in the Academic Leagues experience paradigmatic changes in their practices as they promote the active participation of students, stimulate creativity, and increase the knowledge of students. The Leagues have the potential to be an important approach towards the curricularization of outreach programs.