DEMOS Project - Module: Assessment

Assessment case studies: Viva voce

Course of Study : Computation.
Year of Study : Level 3.
Level of Study : Undergraduate.

Assessment method

Standard written timed examinations.

In total 12 examinations across the academic year in two blocks of 6.

11 were assessed by viva, it was felt that the remaining one was inappropriate because it involved a high level of mathematics content.

Skills assessed

Knowledge of curriculum.

What barriers does the student face in completing this assessment?

Student felt that he couldn't express himself to the best of his ability in writing.

Student had been assessed as dyslexic.

How was the assessment method altered?

Student started each examination at the same time as other students.

At each viva an examiner and an invigilator were present.

In each examination the student was given one hour to prepare his answers. The examiner then entered the room. The student was given more time if he wasn't ready. Although the time limit on the vivas was open the student finished most of the examinations within the standard three hours allocated to other students.

Members of the department developed a protocol for delivering vivas. The Head of Department was involved in this process and was the examiner for some of the vivas.

The examiner was allowed to verify that he/she understood what the student was saying, but was not allowed to prompt if parts of the question were unanswered.

At the end of the viva all parties were asked if they felt the examination had proceeded fairly.

The student was asked at the end of each viva whether he wanted to add any further information.

Further notes

This method was resource intensive and the Department felt that if all students were given the option of vivas they would be unable to meet the demand.

| Back to Case studies || Table of Contents ||