Developing and Implementing Structured Viva Voce Examination as a Valid and Reliable Assessment Tool in Biochemistry for First Year BDS Students

• Main Authors: Sufia Naseem, Mehjbeen Javed, Ummul Baneen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2019-07-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: competence; evaluation; objectivity; oral assessment; structured viva
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/13034/42024_CE[Ra1]_F(SHU)_PF1(AG_SL)_PFA(TR_SL)_PB(NC_AG)_PN(SL).pdf

Introduction: Traditional viva voce lacks objectivity, reliability and validity. Structured viva voce on the other hand has all these qualities. If introduced from the beginning of the course, it will impart an educational impact to the students. Aim: To develop structured oral viva voce for BDS first year students. Compare the marks obtained by traditional viva voce examination with the marks obtained by structured viva voce examination. To analyse the perception of students and faculty towards structured viva voce examination. Materials and Methods: Topic wise structured viva cards were prepared and validated by four subject experts. A total of 29 students were divided into four groups and each group faced the structured as well as traditional viva voce examination. Marks obtained in both the exams were compared. Feedback was taken from students as well from faculty by 5-point Likert scale questionnaires. Results: The marks scored by students in structured and conventional viva were Group A (n=8) 7.11±0.78, 5.67±0.86 (p=0.0001); Group B (n=7) 7.29±0.75, 5.29±1.12 (p=0.001); Group C (n=7) 8.43±0.53, 7.43±0.53 (p= N.S); Group D (n=7) 8.00±0.89, 6.16 ±1.47 (p=0.002) respectively. The variation in marks ranged from 4 to 8 in conventional and 6 to 9 in structured viva voce. Students and faculty also accepted structured viva voce well. Conclusion: The structured viva voce is a better assessment tool. Marks scored and student’s feedback was favorable towards Structured Viva Voce and they found it more objective, student friendly and felt more confident. Faculty also appreciated it as a better scoring method.