Scenario of Practices Aimed at University Education: The Students'Perspectives

Abstract

Higher Education currently faces the challenge of improving its pedagogical practices. The aim of this study was to survey what values and meanings students of Nutrition of the University of São Paulo (USP) ascribe to their experiences with university extension. This is a qualitative study that uses focus groups as a technique to collect data. Five groups were set up according to the most performed activities: Junior Company, Scientific Initiation, Athletic Association, Nutrition Clinic, and the University Experience ( Jornada Universitária, in Portuguese), an interdisciplinary health care project. We found that students felt that each activity contributes to the development of expertise or specific professional skills, which include autonomy, self-confidence, interpersonal communication, social communication, teamwork, a wider perspective on social issues and needs, specific technical and theoretical knowledge, comprehensive care, and contact with professional reality, among others. We conclude that especially in the health care area, university extension activities are a valuable contribution and educational projects should be flexible enough as to incorporate those activities.