University extension in Brazil: concepts, policies and contradictions

Abstract

The inseparability between teaching, research and extension is a foundational presupposition of the formative process in Universities and Federal Institutes of Education, Science and Technology (IFs), being central to human formation and emancipatory of students and to social transformation. However, understanding inseparability and knowing how to practice it is a challenge for both managers and teachers and students. This challenge is especially due to the difficulty in understanding what is extension. In this sense, this text aims to dialogue on the concept of Extension and how it reflects on institutional policies and practices. As a methodological path, concepts used by universities and IFs were analyzed, which are defined in normative documents, and theoretical concepts, especially from the studies of Paulo Freire. As results, we highlight the importance of analysing concepts and reflecting how they impact research, work activities and the relationship with society itself.