ASSESSMENT

Assessment results have been proved as major hallmark for theprogress or regression of teaching and learning. University of Health Sciences is the examiningbody to assess the students of B.D.S. by four methods; MCQs, SEQs, VIVA and OSCE/OSPE.The oral examination is an important part of the practical examination that helps assess threeareas which are clinical knowledge, cognitive and professional skills. Objectives: purpose ofthis study was to explore student’s perspective on viva as an assessment method for subject ofscience of dental materials. Study design: cross-sectional study. Period: Started in November2014 completed in December 2015. Setting: Questionnaire was filled by B.D.S. 2nd professionalstudents of three dental colleges of Lahore of private sector. Sharif medical and dental collegeLahore. CMH dental college Lahore. University College of medicine and dentistry. University ofLahore. Methodology: 120 students from three different institutions were included in this study.30.9% of the students were boys whereas 69.1 % were girls. All students were interviewed abouttheir choice of assessment among the routine methods of assessment; MCQ, SEQ, Viva andOSPE. Results: 15% of the students replied MCQ to be their first choice of assessment. SEQwas selected as first choice of assessment by 26.6% of the students. 56.6% were in the favourof OSPE whereas only 1.7 % students were in the favour of viva examination. Conclusion: Theoral examination has intrinsic weakness of low reliability and objectivity. Structuring the vivaexamination can be implemented and improve viva method of assessment.