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Volume 19, Issue 2 (2026)
J Med Edu Dev 2026, 19(2): 69-79 |
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Ethics code: KNSMIMS/ IEC/2025/74
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Rajani M, Sedani S. Comparative evaluation of objective structured viva voce versus traditional viva voce in assessment of student performance in microbiology. J Med Edu Dev 2026; 19 (2) :69-79
URL: http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-2628-en.html
URL: http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/article-1-2628-en.html
1- Department of Microbiology, Dr. KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India ²Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India , drmonikarajani@gmail.com
2- Department of Microbiology, Dr. KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India ²Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
2- Department of Microbiology, Dr. KNS Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India ²Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Abstract: (22 Views)
Background & Objective: Inconsistent evaluation with traditional viva voce undermines the reliability and validity of assessments. Objective Structured Viva Voce (OSVV) with standardized scoring ensures objective evaluation, less examiner bias, and subjectivity. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of OSVV and traditional viva voce in assessing student performance.
Materials & Methods: This educational interventional study was carried out on 133 second-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students. A pre-validated collection of viva cards, targeting recall and higher-order cognitive domains, was developed based on the Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) Module. The students were evaluated through two types of viva voce examinations using a crossover study design. Evaluation was done by comparing student scores using both methods, followed by a feedback questionnaire.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in student scores, with higher average marks with the OSVV versus the traditional approach. The comparatively lower inter-batch variation in OSVV (F-value = 0.31, p-value = 0.734) highlights its greater consistency and unbiasedness in evaluation across different batches. Among the students, the overall satisfaction index was 59.53, suggesting a generally positive perception of OSVV. Faculty feedback indicated that OSVV can be used as a superior alternative to the traditional approach as an assessment tool.
Conclusion: The study highlights OSVV as a superior alternative to traditional viva, reducing bias and enhancing fairness. It demonstrated significant improvement in student performance and consistency. OSVV represents a progressive reform ensuring fairness, transparency, and competency in MBBS graduate assessments.
Materials & Methods: This educational interventional study was carried out on 133 second-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students. A pre-validated collection of viva cards, targeting recall and higher-order cognitive domains, was developed based on the Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) Module. The students were evaluated through two types of viva voce examinations using a crossover study design. Evaluation was done by comparing student scores using both methods, followed by a feedback questionnaire.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in student scores, with higher average marks with the OSVV versus the traditional approach. The comparatively lower inter-batch variation in OSVV (F-value = 0.31, p-value = 0.734) highlights its greater consistency and unbiasedness in evaluation across different batches. Among the students, the overall satisfaction index was 59.53, suggesting a generally positive perception of OSVV. Faculty feedback indicated that OSVV can be used as a superior alternative to the traditional approach as an assessment tool.
Conclusion: The study highlights OSVV as a superior alternative to traditional viva, reducing bias and enhancing fairness. It demonstrated significant improvement in student performance and consistency. OSVV represents a progressive reform ensuring fairness, transparency, and competency in MBBS graduate assessments.
Article Type : Orginal Research |
Subject:
Medical Education
Received: 2025/10/23 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2026/04/1
Received: 2025/10/23 | Accepted: 2026/02/22 | Published: 2026/04/1
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