A PhD viva is the opportunity for the student to defend their work in
front of questions by two examiners - it is usually a discussion, where
examiners have a prepared set of questions but they deviate depending on
how the student answers - maybe by going off on a tangent, or by probing
more deeply into a topic.
I chair all the PhD vivas here, and I can think of various ways of
adapting this viva. The examiners could present a list of questions in
advance and have them answered by the student in advance of a meeting,
or there could be a form of "interpreter" present [human or
technological], or indeed it might be possible to dispense with the viva
- unlikely but not impossible.
The main point is the examiners being satisfied with the work, with the
students understanding and ownership of the work. A lot might depend on
the quality of the thesis, and the internal examiners satisfaction of
"ownership" of the work.
Just ideas - but I can see it working one way or another!
John
Dr John S Conway FGS FRGS MNADP FHEA
Disability Officer / Principal Lecturer in Soil Science / Chair,
Research Committee
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Glos GL7 6JS
01285 652531 ext 2234 fax 01285 650219
http://www.rac.ac.uk/index.php?_id=590
email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hazel Devereux
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 1:41 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Alternative to Viva Voce
Hi Shama
providing the alternative asssesment meets the criteria/learning
outcomes, then it being a unique issue shouldn't be a barrier.
It might take some thinking outside the box. At Edge hill, a meeting (a
Progress Support Meeting) would be set up by the Faculty with the tutor
concerned, myself (or a team member) and other relevant staff, chaired
by HOD, to discuss a way forward. Usually these are very positive and
are inclusive as they deal with all students, not just disabled students
kind regards
Hazel
>>> Shama Lakhani <[log in to unmask]> 11/02/2008 10:40 >>>
Hi all,
A PhDstudent has registered with our office having sustained a stroke.
The student hasBroca' s Aphasia.
The student experiences long-standing speech and language difficulties,
their speech is not only disjointed but may contain significant
inaccuracies of content. their voice volume is also reduced
The student often omits small words intheir general conversation.
Althoughthey know in their mindwhat they want to say,they are not always
able to articulate this verbally.
The student is concerned about their Viva Voce, they have no concerns
abouttheir knowledge of the subject matter and have a clear idea of
whatthey want to say, butthey areaware that it may not be possible to
express everything verbally.
The student does not find it as easy now to transfer their thoughts and
ideas onto paper. When the student' s written work is proof read;
colleagues often comment that " little words are missing"
If funding for DSA recommendations is approved, the student will make
use of a laptop with the " Co: Writer" programme.
I have asked the student' s supervisors to consider an alternative
assessment method(I am aware that academic standards have to be
maintained) the supervisors have put the question back to me. This is
not a scenario that our office has ever encountered.
Can anyone help?
(Thank you in advance)
Shama Lakhani Disability Adviser Disability Support Office Office of the
Academic Registrar The University of Manchester LG020 John Owens
Building Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL Tel:0161 275 8515 Fax.0161 275
7018 Minicom:0161 275 2794 Text: 07899 663 512 / 07899 658 790 Email:
[log in to unmask] www.manchester.ac.uk/disability This
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