EXTENSIONIST TRAINING IN THE LANDSCAPE OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR REFRAMING TEACHER EDUCATION IN K-12 SETTINGS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

University extension is a formative and procedural link between higher education institutions and the community. It aims to construct knowledge with a transformative and revolutionary focus, seeking to change the meaning of life for individuals within often inequitable and undemocratic societies. This study examines the opportunities and challenges presented by university extension projects that offer initial and continuing training for K-12 teachers between 2018 and 2022. A systematic literature review was conducted in three phases: planning, execution, and result dissemination. Our findings suggest that university extension plays a vital role in teacher training by fostering critical, social, and reflective skills crucial for effective teaching and learning. Collaboration between higher education institutions and K-12 schools proved crucial to extension programs’ success. However, the literature reveals gaps, such as the lack of systematic evaluation of program efficacy and limited attention to diversity and inclusion. The concluding remarks emphasize the need to bolster university extension in educational curricula, train effective mediators, and establish productive partnerships. The study’s practical implications include engaging diverse stakeholders and developing policies prioritizing university extension in teacher training.