An appreciative inquiry into the Nutrition Postgraduate Program at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Abstract

In contrast to the traditional perspective that exists in the approaches to institutional assessment in higher education, we have opted to work with appreciative inquiry (IA). Thus, we have conducted an assessment of the Nutrition Postgraduate Program at the UniversidadeFederal de Pernambuco (PPGN/UFPE), from an appreciative perspective. Rather than assuming a structural, regulatory, competitive assessment mode, the reference framework usedanalyzes the strengths of the PPGN/UFPE.A case study was developed, with emphasis on collaborative research, aiming at a descriptive, exploratory methodology, through the 5-D model (in English/Portuguese: 1-D Definition/Definição, 2-D Discovery/Descoberta, 3-D Dream/Sonho, 4-D Design/Planejamentoand 5-D Destiny/Destino). Data collection and analysis focused on the first two Ds, from multiple sources of evidence. The results have indicated that the PPGN/UFPE is functioning successfully due to the logic involving nucleation and social insertion, expressed in the accumulated experiences, itsprominent achievements and the major traditions developed through the combined knowledge of its members, responsible for the excellence it has achieved in its institutional performance.