Decide what it’s for. A viva can assess understanding in its own right, or check that a student can explain and defend work they’ve submitted. Say which in the brief, and tell students in advance that a viva is part of the assessment, how long it takes and how it’s marked. A viva that comes as a surprise feels like an accusation.
Ask questions that need thinking, not recall. Good viva questions ask students to explain why, justify a choice, apply an idea to a new case or say what they would do differently. Anyone who did the work can answer them in their own words; someone who didn’t will struggle, however polished the written work.
Probe, don’t prompt. Follow-up questions such as “why that one?”, “what would change if…?” and “how would you know?” are where understanding shows. Rephrase a question if a candidate is stuck, but don’t hint at the answer or signal whether they’re right. Stay warm and neutral throughout.
Be consistent. Ask every candidate the same main questions (or the matched questions from their set), keep to the same timing, and mark against the same rubric. Two examiners, or a recording where your policy allows it, make decisions easier to defend.
Use parallel sets for larger groups. When students are examined one after another, questions travel. Matched sets keep it fair without making some candidates’ questions harder than others’.
Make room for everyone. Nerves, disability and English as an additional language can all affect an oral answer. Offer reasonable adjustments, such as extra time, written copies of the questions or a support person, and give candidates a moment to think before they answer.
Record concerns factually. If you suspect a student didn’t do the work, note exactly what was asked and what they said, and follow your institution’s academic integrity process. A viva is evidence, not a verdict.
Check it before you use it. The viva is written by AI. Check every question, expected answer and rubric descriptor against your unit and your institution’s assessment policy before you use it with students.