Curricularização da extensão na formação acadêmica: um estudo no curso de secretariado executivo bilíngue da UFPB

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to study the curricularization of extension in the academic training of students in the Bilingual Executive Secretary course at the Federal University of Paraíba, highlighting how the inclusion of extension activities in the course's pedagogical project can influence the development of students' skills and abilities from the first period of the course. This is a descriptive, documentary investigation, using a qualitative and quantitative approach with a content analysis technique. Data collection was carried out through the application of a questionnaire composed of closed and open questions through Google Forms. According to the analysis of the data obtained, the data reveal a very positive perception of the students in the Bilingual Executive Secretary course in relation to the curricularization of extension. Most students recognize the importance of these activities for their academic training, demonstrating a strong understanding of the value that these actions add to their professional and personal development. The data also indicate that the curricularization of extension programs contributes significantly to the development of essential skills and abilities for the job market, such as autonomy, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, empathy, conflict management, planning, organization, time management, and critical analysis. Another relevant point is the positive impact perceived in the students' training, as they consider that these activities contribute significantly to their professional future, reinforcing the idea that practice is essential to consolidate knowledge and skills. However, the research also points to opportunities for improvement. Students suggest expanding the diversity of activities, strengthening partnerships with companies and institutions, integrating these actions more into the formal curriculum, and improving the dissemination and communication of extension projects. The implementation of online activities and the diversification of the topics covered were also highlighted as strategies to increase reach and engagement. Furthermore, the curricular activities developed by the students were the teaching of courses and the production of short videos related to the subjects worked on in the classroom in the two curricular components offered in the period 2024.1, namely: Computer Science Applied to the Secretarial Work and Fundamentals of the Secretarial Work.