University Extension: conceptualization, fundamentals and implementation

Abstract

According to Brazilian legislation, University Extension is inseparably related to teaching and research, forming the tripod of Higher Education. However, throughout history, one can perceive different concepts of extension, consolidation of foundations and significant implementation challenges. In this sense, the objective was to demonstrate the conceptual process, of reasoning and the challenges of the extensionist practice in the university. The research was descriptive and exploratory regarding the objectives and the survey of the procedures used. Data were collected through direct observation, in which sources were selected through consultations and reading of available material, focusing on demonstrating content to obtain results. The results indicate that, in Brazil, the practice of University Extension activities dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, thus coinciding with the creation of Higher Education, however, the extension at the university at that time, presented a contradiction, since the its existence was ignored by the popular classes and it was not possible to reach their interest in the face of the offered actions. Currently, the extension in the curriculum helps HEIs to produce science, technology and knowledge, focused on their reality. When saying this, it can be said that we are going to learn from social subjects and from the community. Such a movement could allow the university to get out of the castling and dissociation of the local reality. As Paulo Freire would say, the more a citizen of the world we are, the more we are a citizen of the place. By producing knowledge involving community interests, it is signaling openness to complexity.