Supporting students’ preparation for their viva: their pre-conceptions and implications for practice.

Wellington, J. (2010)

Teaching in Higher Education, 15(1): 71–84

Abstract

There has been relatively little research on the pre-conceptions of doctoral students about the final examination, the viva voce and hence there is a shortage of evidence to underpin activities designed to prepare them for this experience. 

The present paper, which is based upon data from a wide range of focus groups of pre-viva students, seeks to illuminate students’ pre-conceptions, to site them within a teaching framework, and to consider the implications for practice and policy in preparing students for the viva. 

The paper goes on to a broader discussion of students’ preparation for the viva experience by relating the focus group data to previous studies and considering the various elements and aspects of the event’.

Cite this article

Wellington, J. (2010)

Supporting students’ preparation for their viva: their pre-conceptions and implications for practice.

Teaching in Higher Education, 15(1): 71–84

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