Objective structured viva voce examination versus traditional viva voce examination - Comparison and students’ perception as assessment methods in pharmacology among second M.B.B.S students

ABSTRACT

Background: Viva voce examination is an integral part of our assessment system. The traditional viva examination can be unstructured one. It is, therefore, essential to explore new assessment methods, which are objective, reliable, and valid. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was (1) to compare objective structured viva voce examination (OSVVE) with traditional viva voce examination (TVVE) as assessment methods and (2). to study the perception of students’ regarding objective structured viva examination as a tool of assessment. Material and Methods: Quasi-experimental education project, to compare OSVVE with traditional viva voce. Two viva sessions conducted; course content for both the sessions was different. Marks allotted for both the viva voce was 10. Students assigned to four groups. For OSVVE, two sets of questionnaires were prepared for two sessions, each having ten questions with increasing difficulty levels and validated by subject experts; 10 min allotted for each student. Feedback of students at the end of both viva sessions obtained about the OSVVE. Statistical analysis: Non-parametric test Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired sample t-test. Results: There was significant difference observed between marks obtained in both the formats. Majority of students strongly agree and agree with OSVVE in terms of easy to understand questions (95%), well organized system (90%), time allotted was adequate (82.5%), and cover most of topics (77.5%). While 62% of the students responded that, it will be included in formative assessment. Conclusions: The study showed positive perception toward OSVVE in terms of its acceptability as an assessment tool.