Building shared knowledge in the basic training of students. University Service Learning in Physical Recreational Activity involving people with functional diversity

This manuscript presents the experience of University Service -Learning (USL), with a multidisciplinary character, developed within the framework of two subjects of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and Early Childhood Education, the Equality Unit and the CorpoEDuca-M Laboratory of the University of Almeria together with the associations Asalsido, Asprodesa and the rugby club UraClan of the province of Almeria. This project is an opportunity to improve initial training and knowledge transfer in a nomadic society, in preparation for the current demands of future Physical Activity and Sport professionals from a reflexive and critical perspective with vulnerable populations. The study analyses the reflective processes of the students in terms of design, development and evaluation of the USL project. A total of 260 students participated. Information was collected through group interviews, micro narratives and virtual discussion forums. The results show the importance of collaborative learning as a key element in the process of acquiring specific knowledge, the positive impact on the understanding of the reality of these groups and the commitment to a physical recreational activity for social improvement.