O lugar da educação social no ensino superior

: num quadro de promoção de educação inclusiva

Abstract

This work corresponds to an academic dissertation entitled ‘The place of Social Education in Higher Education - within a framework of promoting Inclusive Education’, which was prepared as part of the master’s degree in educational sciences, specializing in Social Pedagogy, presented to the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Portuguese Catholic University (FEP-UCP), to obtain a master's degree. When we talk about inclusion, we are inevitably talking about equal opportunities for everyone throughout their lives, regardless of their physical condition. To include, it is not enough to integrate, because it is essential not to limit abilities and to respect human dignity. Everyone needs to be the author of their life project, in an autonomous construction, with a face and a voice. With this research we wanted to understand the place of Social Education in Higher Education Institutions that implement inclusive practices supported by measures to support the learning process and inclusion. Thus, from a theoretical point of view, this research is guided by Social Pedagogy, a science of education, which is developed in the various contexts where the person is inserted, in a logic of hospitality, solidarity and social work and which seeks to emphasize lifelong learning, for everyone without exception. From an empirical point of view, we opted for a qualitative methodology, with an interpretive paradigm. About data collection instruments, we used documentary consultation and direct enquiry of actors through semi-structured interviews. In general terms, it was possible to conclude that Social Education plays a fundamental and essential role in Higher Education, particularly in terms of promoting inclusive education. Higher education institutions that integrate inclusive practices that positively foster learning and inclusion demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities and the creation of inclusive, fair and equitable socio-educational environments.

Date of Award	14 Feb 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Cláudia Rodrigues Camões (Supervisor) & Cindy Ribeiro Vaz (Co-Supervisor)