University extension in Mexico and Argentina: two case studies

This study was carried out in the Department of Agronomy at The University of Buenos Aires, Argentine (Agronomic Engineering) and in the Agricultural and Livestock Science Department (Rural Development Engineering) at The Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Mexico. The objective of the research was to determine the importance of the outreach and linking activities undertaken by the departments in rural communities and to define university learning improvements through community labour. The study was carried out through a mixed approach with semi-structured quantitative surveys of thirty-seven students in the last semesters of the aforementioned departments and of twelve faculty members in Argentine and Mexico. In the qualitative research, we interviewed four faculty members and eight students in both departments. We systematized and analysed the data. In addition, we revised several documents addressing issues of university outreach and linking with society. University extension has been of paramount importance, and university officials are realizing that it is imperative that students learn from real-life situations. In spite of this, only research and teaching are a priority. In both departments, we observed a lack of systematization, and an absence of academic & economic rewards for lecturers involved in extension programs. Likewise, we verified that students acquire skills and reinforce values and knowledge through community activities.

• Main Author: Montes de Oca, Erika Román (author)
• Other Authors: Matías, Francisco García (author), Licea Resendiz, Jesús Eduardo (author)
• Format: article
• Language: spa
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: universidad-sociedad; vinculación universitaria; programas de educación superior; University-society; knowledge transfer; Higher education programs.
• Online Access: https://revistasespam.espam.edu.ec/index.php/Revista_ESPAMCIENCIA/article/view/137