Resource

Viva Voce

What is it?

A viva voce is an oral examination which can be either in-person or online. Generally, it is associated with a research project such as a thesis/dissertation. This gives students the opportunity to explain the rationale verbally and graphically behind their choice of thesis/dissertation topic, the methodology, key findings, and validity of their conclusions and recommendations.

Advantages & Challenges

Advantages

Challenges

Advantages

A Viva Voce allows examiners to assess the depth of the student’s understanding of the subject matter. They can explore nuances, concepts, and methodologies beyond what might be evident from written work alone.
Helps to identify student’s ability to articulate their ideas verbally, demonstrating effective communication skills.
A viva voce provides the opportunity for interaction between examiners and students to exchange feedback, ask questions and clarify concepts and thought processes.

Challenges

Tips for Use

Developing questions for a viva:

Make sure the focus of each question is aligned with content, rationale and objectives of the study.
Consider asking open ended questions and encouraging answers that are not limited to yes or no allowing students to explain their answer.
Don’t ask questions that are too long or complex as the student might not be able to capture the whole question.

Supporting students for their Viva Voce:

Thoroughly explain the process for the viva voce assessment such as what is a viva and what they will be expected to do.
Consider running mock viva sessions with students, this could be done by the lecturer/supervisor and student or as a peer learning exercise.
Prior to students doing their viva voce, they could come up with a list of possible questions an examiner could ask. This will encourage students to think critically about their own work.

Resources

Charles Sturt University: Viva voce – Division of Learning and Teaching (csu.edu.au)
Western Sydney University: pdf (westernsydney.edu.au)
University College Dublin (UCD): Viva Voce Examination| UCD Graduate Studies
University of Galway: PHD Viva guide: pdf (universityofgalway.ie)

Sample Rubrics

University of Wisconsin – Madison: Masters or PHD: University of Wisconsin-Madison
NED University of engineering and Technology: Rubric from engineering: VIVA RUBRICS -.pdf (neduet.edu.pk)
University of Northern Iowa: Rubric for thesis and oral presentation (Viva Voce): ORAL COMPREHENSIVE RUBRIC (uni.edu)

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