LEARNING COMPETENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: THE ROLE OF EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to identify and analyze the similarities and diferences both in learning processes and competencies development of students participating on Junior Enterprise, Scientific Initiation and Tutorial Education programs. The research was conducted with 15 business students from Federal University of Espírito Santo. Data was collected using semi-estructured interviews and analyzed using the qualitative analysis protocol suggested by Gibbs (2009). The findings suggest that learning processes, viewed through the lens of situated, social, informal and incidental learning, contributed to the development of diverse competencies (social, managerial, problem solving, communication and scientific research). This research highlights the importance of extracurricular programs as resources that enhance student’s skills development. This is largely because these programs provide the possibilty for students to bring togheter theory and practice, contributing to fill the gaps in the traditional teaching/learning model based on the transmition/reprodution of content.