Relationship between institution and community in the training process of Higher Education

Abstract

This research analyzed the perception of students of the sixth level of the Education Career on the importance of the institution-community relationship in their training process, considering the contributions of specific projects of linkage and research in digital literacy and pedagogical strengthening of teachers. A descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was developed, applying a structured questionnaire of five questions with a three-level Likert scale to a sample of 143 volunteer student participants, selected through non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. The data were processed by descriptive statistical analysis, calculating absolute and relative frequencies for each response category. The results revealed a highly positive perception of the university-community linkage, evidencing a broad consensus among the participants. The students recognized the importance of linkage in vocational training, valued community participation as an enrichment of learning, identified concrete linkage actions, expressed the ability to propose community projects and considered collaboration essential for sustainable and ethical development. The consistency in the answers evidenced a solid agreement among the students, with minimal levels of disagreement in all the dimensions evaluated. These findings confirm that the university-community link is a fundamental element valued by students as a pedagogical strategy that transcends the traditional social function to comprehensively enrich their professional training and promote the development of social and civic competencies.