ASSESSMENT

IS VIVA ACCEPTABLE?

Abstract

Introduction: Assessment results have been proved as major hallmark for the
progress or regression of teaching and learning. University of Health Sciences is the examining
body to assess the students of B.D.S. by four methods; MCQs, SEQs, VIVA and OSCE/OSPE.
The oral examination is an important part of the practical examination that helps assess three
areas which are clinical knowledge, cognitive and professional skills. Objectives: purpose of
this study was to explore student’s perspective on viva as an assessment method for subject of
science of dental materials. Study design: cross-sectional study. Period: Started in November
2014 completed in December 2015. Setting: Questionnaire was filled by B.D.S. 2nd professional
students of three dental colleges of Lahore of private sector. Sharif medical and dental college
Lahore. CMH dental college Lahore. University College of medicine and dentistry. University of
Lahore. Methodology: 120 students from three different institutions were included in this study.
30.9% of the students were boys whereas 69.1 % were girls. All students were interviewed about
their choice of assessment among the routine methods of assessment; MCQ, SEQ, Viva and
OSPE. Results: 15% of the students replied MCQ to be their first choice of assessment. SEQ
was selected as first choice of assessment by 26.6% of the students. 56.6% were in the favour
of OSPE whereas only 1.7 % students were in the favour of viva examination. Conclusion: The
oral examination has intrinsic weakness of low reliability and objectivity. Structuring the viva
examination can be implemented and improve viva method of assessment.