Revitalizing Assessment: Exploring the benefits and challenges of Viva Voce
Authors: Nash, J.
Conference: Faculty of Media Education Week Conference
Dates: 1-5 July 2024
Abstract:In undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs, traditional modes of assessments like student presentations, essays, blogs or reflective writing are more common than viva voces. However, for the Level 7 "Research in Action" unit in marketing communications, students were assessed using a unique approach. They were required to submit a decision tree outlining a research project that would contribute to existing knowledge on a specific issue. Following this, they attended a 20-minute viva to defend their research proposal before the teaching team. This method allowed students to showcase their advanced understanding of research design, critical thinking, and reflective skills through face-to-face oral assessments. Additionally, it enabled lecturers to evaluate students' ability to respond to questions and defend their work effectively, while also mitigating some of challenges associated with AI-generated essays. This talk runs through the practicalities of using a viva voce and some of the pitfalls of the approach.
Source: Manual