Is there Extension in Postgraduate Studies? The Experience of Project “Feira de Trocas” as a Formative Path Between Extension and Postgraduate Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to characterize the construction of Feira de Trocas extension project, discussing its contribution to the training of postgraduate students through the lens of the decoloniality of knowledge, since extension assumes a position of commitment on the part of universities towards society, and is geared towards overcoming barriers between scientific and popular knowledge. To achieve this, the theoretical framework addresses the coloniality of knowledge in higher education and university extension. The methodology of this study is characterized as qualitative, exploratory and descriptive. The method used was autoethnographic. Thematic narrative analysis was used to process the information collected. It was observed that the participants in the extension project analyzed were able to attribute meanings and incorporate other knowledge into their training. This shows the potential of the collective project Feira de Trocas to break with aspects of coloniality within universities and as an important training pillar for students, especially post-graduate students, even in the midst of obstacles to be overcome. It demonstrates the potential of extension to help make the university a space for training and the articulation of different types of knowledge and experiences.