University extension: profile of the speech-language pathology students of a public university

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed at outlining the profile of speech-language pathology students of a Brazilian public university regarding university extension. Method: This is a predominantly descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative-qualitative approach. The sample consisted of all the students enrolled in the speech-language pathology course, excluding the main author of this study, totaling 110 subjects. The data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire prepared by the authors, containing questions regarding extension practices. Descriptive statistics techniques with absolute and relative frequency were employed and presented in tables and graphs with the help of the Excel 2010 software (Microsoft Corporation). Results: The extension practice the speech-language pathology students of the public university most engaged in was participation in congresses, followed by extension courses. Programs and projects were the extension practices with the least amount of student engagement. Among the hindrances reported by the students to engaging in extension practices are the lack of interest and / or motivation, lack of announcements, no available time, rules for the selection of scholarships and the cost of registering for the events. Conclusion: The results showed that the student-teacher-community interaction falls short of students’ training needs. The findings of this study point to a renewed discussion about the importance of university extension practices in the training of speech-language pathologists, as they are an instrument for the dissemination of knowledge between the university and society.