The processes of curricularization of extension in argentinian universities: conceptions, evaluations, and meanings

Abstract

Since the first decade of the 2000s, several public universities in Latin America and Argentina have initiated a process of curricularizing extension through the implementation of Educational Social Practices under various names, within the framework of the ideals of Social Commitment, Critical Extension, and Integration. Given the importance of this instituting movement, the "Jorge Castro" Observatory on University Social Commitment from the Center for Union and Social Studies of the Mar del Plata University Teaching Association conducted a study. The objectives were to characterize the learning outcomes of students participating in the curricularization of extension, describe the methodologies employed, evaluate the processes of participation and interaction between social and university actors, and recognize the achievements and limitations of the curricularization of extension processes. For this, the study was carried out with a quantitative approach through a survey conducted among students and graduates of eleven national universities who experienced these practices. The results reveal interesting and enlightening evaluations regarding the perspectives on the dimensions covered by the instrument. For example, experiential learning with curricularization and reflective, critical practice on the meaning of university social commitment were identified, along with issues warranting changes from a critical extensionist perspective, such as the insufficient participation of students in the design of the program and the limited involvement of social organizations and extra-university institutions throughout the entire process.