Formação em extensão na Rede de Museus e Espaços de Ciências e Cultura da UFMG

Abstract

This dissertation aims to reflect on the role of the spaces that comprise the UFMG Network of Museums and Science and Culture Centers (RMECC) in the University Extension Training (FEU) of undergraduate students at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). In light of Resolution No. 7, dated December 18, 2018, from the National Education Council (CNE) which establishes the Guidelines for Extension in Brazilian Higher Education and the internal UFMG regulations on the subject, we sought to understand the nature of extension activities developed by/in these spaces, focusing on the participation of undergraduate students in such initiatives. To this end, we conducted a search and data extraction of extension activity records linked to the RMECC spaces in the UFMG Extension Information System (SIEX). These records were analyzed using a mixed methodology, predominantly qualitative, grounded in key concepts from the field of Critical Museology, as well as Paulo Freire’s notion of extension as dialogical communication. By addressing historical aspects of university extension in Brazil and, more specifically, at UFMG, this study seeks to demonstrate how a particular understanding of the social role of university museums strongly aligns with the objectives of the FEU. The results indicate that the analyzed spaces, in their vast majority, incorporate a commitment to FEU in their practices, thus positioning themselves as privileged settings for this kind of training. However, in general, the extension activities are developed without interconnection among the spaces, a limitation which, if overcome, could provide a significant boost toward greater integration of practices and, consequently, enrich the educational pathways within the RMECC. The study also led to the creation of a Reference Notebook for FEU in the RMECC, aimed at encouraging students, faculty, and staff to engage with the collections, environments, and knowledge embedded in these spaces in support of FEU at UFMG. Keywords: University museums; UFMG Network of Museums; Extension training; University extension