Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/30800
Title: Living the Viva: The Oral Examination in Practice
Authors: McNeill, J
Benitez-Capistros, F
Dahdouh-Guebas, F
Deboelpaep, E
Hugé, J
Mukherjee, N
Van der Stocken, T
Van Puyvelde, K
Koedam, N
Keywords: examination commission;jury;public defence;scientific argument;thesis
Issue Date: 23-Oct-2024
Publisher: RHAPSODE
Citation: McNeill, J. et al. (2024) 'Living the Viva: The Oral Examination in Practice', International Journal of Educational Methodology, 10 (4), pp. 629 - 643. doi: 10.12973/ijem.10.4.629.
Abstract: The viva examination or ‘defence’ is a pivotal moment in a student’s or researcher’s career. It marks the conclusion of one stage and the beginning of another, whether during the study period or when competing for research funding. Unlike many other formal assessments, the viva is an oral performance. Its form may strongly depend on the domain of science or knowledge sector, on the university or even on faculty. The rituals of interaction between jurors and candidates may differ in many cultural contexts. Yet, the core elements of the defence are the debate, the use of evidence, and the justification for a statement or opinion delivered orally, are common to all. Accordingly, although a successful defence is about content, it is also about language and attitude. In academic education, there is insufficient preparation for this moment when one is in front of jurors, a commission, and even a wider audience. We draw on our combined experience in our own careers and in their coaching of students to present an analysis of the ‘viva’ process. Our findings may help candidates position themselves in the viva context and offer practical advice on how to prepare, define an attitude, and structure answers and responses in general.
URI: https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/30800
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.10.4.629
Other Identifiers: ORCiD: Jeffrey McNeill https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7717-2570
ORCiD: Francisco Benitez-Capistros https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8317-0229
ORCiD: Farid Dahdouh-Guebas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5906-8996
ORCiD: Evelien Deboelpae https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5834-4031
ORCiD: Jean Hugé https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3695-547X
ORCiD: Nibedita Mukherjee https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2970-1498
ORCiD: Tom Van der Stocken https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1820-9123
ORCiD: Karolien Van Puyvelde https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8259-080X
ORCiD: Nico Koedam https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-3979
Appears in Collections:Dept of Social and Political Sciences Research Papers

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