Methodology
Agreement Letter 2018: Methodology
Agreement Letter 2018: Methodology
WORKING METHODOLOGY
In the same way that it has been developed since 2016, in coherence with previous works, the Conference has been developed from the conceptual framework called «Working With People, WWP» [1]. This methodological approach has been validated as especially suitable for collaborative research and the implementation of joint actions, integrating knowledge and learning from different agents and actors in society.
METHODOLOGY: WWP MODEL
The WWP model is the result of 25 years of experience in the field of rural development project management in different international contexts. It is understood as a professional practice developed in cooperation that seeks to connect knowledge and action through common projects, integrating and developing learning and values in the people who participate in the context of projects and joint work.
The model had already been applied to the three previous Conferences held in collaboration with FAO during 2017, in Lima (Peru), Cuenca (Ecuador) and Bogotá (Colombia). They included the participation of non-state actors: academics from faculties, business / management schools and representatives of the private sector (small companies from the territories). This WWP model, the “working with the people” has allowed to advance in a very important sensitization process, with key agents from 23 Universities in 6 countries (Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Spain) and with 78 authorities and managers academics.
Therefore, the WWP model provides a common conceptual base, to form a Network of Universities in Latin America and to continue, strengthen and implement new rural development activities by inserting the theme of the IAR Principles and the DVGT.
The three fields of activity addressed in the Conference, research, teaching (from Educational Innovation) and links with society, have shown synergies between them, to increase the knowledge and capacity of universities on the IAR and DVGT principles, and are the three basic pillars that characterize the so-called Research Universities at the international level [2], [3]. These research universities are the ones that occupy the most relevant positions in the most important international rankings, for providing greater value to the needs of society.
The Case Studies [4] shown in the Conference have been formulated to respond to the real needs of society within the framework of the IAR Principles and the DVGT and the joint work between the University (through Research Groups) and the agents of society (business associations, rural communities, companies), connecting teaching and research, from a Project-Based Learning (PBL) [5], [6]. With this approach, various debates and workshops have been undertaken throughout the Conference to promote dialogue between academics and other agents linked to the Universities.
These Case Studies presented correspond to applied research and are used by the Universities in their teaching activities, being part of the curricular products designed in the Degree and Postgraduate or Master programs that are taught in the Universities that have committed themselves to it. to develop content of the IAR Principles and the DVGT in their different forms. In the same way, the Curricular designs are enriched by the actions of Educational Innovation that allow to incorporate the Research Cases in which the IAR and DVGT themes are applied, bringing the University closer to the needs of society, integrating learning and knowledge of the different actors in relation to the IAR and DVGT Principles.
The objective of the Conference has therefore been to show already consolidated experiences, with designs inserted officially in the Career programs (Undergraduate and Postgraduate or Master's degrees) dictated in the participating Universities that have committed themselves, as well as helping other Universities to improve their actions during the development of the LOA, so that they develop their contents from the IAR Principles and the DVGT in their different forms. In addition, dialogue and joint reflection have been promoted, showing the reality of the different Universities from their actions and their relations with society. In this way, the Conference has promoted the strengthening of existing relationships in the network of Universities, and the start of other new relationships and the commitment to joint collaboration.