SDU Universitetspædagogik

Oral exam/Viva with preparation without aids

The student draws a question/topic and then prepares and presents an answer for it without aids. The preparation time is usually similar to the time spent in an exam. This type of test is best suited for testing the student’s ability to generate hypotheses, to explain, to apply principles in different contexts, e.g. by providing a case, etc., with the knowledge the student knows relatively by heart.

For many students, this type of exam is less stressful (compared to an oral exam without preparation, for example) as the preparation time gives them the opportunity to reflect on and organise their response. On the other hand, some students become increasingly nervous during the preparation time.

This assessment method is also suited for group examination.

Learning objective that can be addressed using this assessment method
Knowledge of theory, method and practice	(X)
Understanding and reflecting on theory, method and practice	X
Applying methods and tools	X
Assessing problem definitions and selecting solution models
Communicate and discuss academic issues
Dealing with complex situations – in the context of studying or work
Ability to independently initiate collaboration
Taking responsibility for personal learning and development

X indicates that this assessment method is suitable for testing the learning outcome. (X) indicates that this assessment method is of only limited use for this.

Evaluating the method of assessment

Assessment Criteria
Validity	The validity depends on the questions asked. If the questions test factual knowledge, the student would need to answer a lot of these types of questions if this type of exam is to achieve high content validity. If, on the other hand, the questions test (generic) capabilities or skill-sets, a single question can cover the broad teaching content. The opportunity to ask individual, follow-up questions allows for high construct validity.
Reliability	In an oral exam situation, a lot depends on the individual examiner’s empathy and improvisation in terms of asking probing questions and following up on the student’s answers; as a result, reliability depends greatly on the individual. Also, the entire student group is rarely asked exactly the same questions, which can further diminish reliability. Consideration should be given to how “evaluation fatigue” can affect the internal and external examiner’s assessments in the course of a working day.
Backwash effect from testing to teaching	This type of exam traditionally generates anxiety and nervousness in many students, which will affect students’ learning behaviour. For this reason, it is particularly important for the teaching prior to the exam to draw attention to the specifics of the examination process and the criteria on which the oral presentation will be judged. Holding a mock exam during the teaching period could help to visualise and clarify the process and marking criteria further.
Resources	As regards the outlay in terms of time and logistics, 30 minutes will usually be allowed for each student, including marking and feedback. On the other hand, hardly any post-processing time is involved.
Digitisation	Allows the possibility of basing the exam on, or including, electronic elements, e.g. audio files, images, video clips or having the student prepare a digital presentation using PowerPoint, for example.
Acceptance	Within some academic circles, e.g. in many health sciences study programmes, oral exams have not been chosen for many years due to their low reliability and higher costs. Instead, an oral Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is used to ensure a high level of reliability.

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