Critical thinking and critical action: freirean tools necessary for praxis in university extension

Abstract

This article analyzes the importance of critical thinking and critical action as Freirean tools for praxis in university extension. Within this context, the objective of this article is to critically reflect on both Freirean practices for practical action in the field of extension and to analytically discuss the five extension principles contained in the National Policy on University Extension (FORPROEX, 2012) – dialogical interaction; interdisciplinarity and interprofessionalism; the inseparability of teaching, research, and extension; impact on student training; and impact and social transformation. Methodologically, the work developed from a documentary analysis of the guidelines for Extension in Brazilian Higher Education, followed by a bibliographic review, supported by a transformative reflective construction. Considering the reflexivities that composed this scientific work on praxis in university extension, the following epistemic considerations were highlighted: the conceptual territoriality of university extension; critical thinking and action; The Freirean process of collective awareness in an extension activity and the defining composition of Praxis in University Extension.