The Harrowing Experience of a DCE Viva
While the Department of Computer Engineering (DCE) at any university ensures a comprehensive education for its students, the viva process can be a daunting experience, especially when things go awry. This article explores some of the worst viva experiences that students in the DCE department have encountered, focusing on common challenges faced, and providing tips to help students prepare and navigate these stressful situations.
Common Themes and Challenges
The viva process, commonly known as the viva-voce examination, is often a source of anxiety for many students due to several factors. Here are some of the most frequently reported challenges:
1. Unpreparedness
Many students find themselves unprepared due to a lack of guidance or unclear expectations regarding the viva format and content. This unpreparedness can stem from insufficient support from advisors or a vague understanding of the examination format.
2. Difficult Questions
Examiners may ask unexpectedly challenging questions that probe deeply into the student's research or related fields, leading to anxiety and confusion. Students often struggle to articulate their thoughts clearly under such pressure.
3. Technical Issues
Problems with presentation equipment or software can disrupt the flow of the viva, adding additional stress for the candidate. Technical glitches can hinder the smooth execution of the examination, making it even more challenging for students to perform well.
4. Interpersonal Dynamics
Tense interactions with examiners, whether due to perceived hostility or overly critical feedback, can create a negative atmosphere. Such dynamics can significantly impact a student's performance and confidence during the viva.
5. Time Pressure
Limited time to present findings and respond to questions can make it difficult for students to articulate their work effectively. The pressure to cover all aspects of their research within the given time can lead to rushed and incomplete responses.
6. Lack of Feedback
Some students report feeling that they do not receive constructive feedback during or after the viva, leaving them unsure about their performance. This lack of feedback can be disconcerting and may hinder a student's ability to improve their understanding and performance.
7. Overly Broad Scope
Questions that stray too far from the candidate's specific research topic can leave the student feeling lost or unqualified to answer. Viva questions should be focused and relevant to the student's work to ensure that they can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding effectively.
8. High Stakes Atmosphere
The pressure of the viva being a significant milestone in an academic career can lead to overwhelming stress and anxiety. The importance of the viva in determining the student's academic standing can heighten the stress levels and affect their performance.
To mitigate these experiences, students can benefit from thorough preparation, seeking out mock viva opportunities, and communicating with their advisors for guidance on expectations. Here's one personal account that exemplifies the challenges faced during a viva:
A Personal Viva Experience in DCE
Physic was always the subject that I hated the most, and it was the 1st end-semester viva that tested my nerves.
On November 2011, we submitted our practical files and entered the physics lab. Each student was assigned an experiment based on their roll number. We were grouped and called in sets of four, with two professors conducting the viva (professor A and professor B).
My roll number was called, and I was hoping for professor A because he seemed friendly by appearance. After me, two girls (G1 and G2) and one boy (B1) were called. The seating order was as follows: G1, Me, G2, B1.
Professor A asked me about what we had studied. I replied that I had studied optics. The conversation then turned to Fresnel diffraction, which I struggled to explain. G1 provided a detailed explanation, and the professor then passed the question to me. However, I had never heard of Fresnel, and I had to admit my lack of knowledge.
Professor A then gave us a stern lecture about the realities of life at a university like Delhi Technological University (DTU) compared to the CBSE practicals we were used to. The viva continued with more questions from all of us, but I struggled to answer most of them.
The viva was a disaster, with me scoring 54 and B1 scoring 59, while G1 and G2 scored 75-80. The professor's comment about not judging a person by their appearance was very poignant. This experience taught me never to judge someone based on their appearance, as their true character and abilities often go beyond superficial impressions.
Lesson learned: Thorough preparation and confidence are key to a successful viva experience. Always be ready to tackle unexpected questions and maintain composure even when faced with difficult challenges.
Conclusion
The viva experience in the Department of Computer Engineering (DCE) can be a daunting process, but with proper preparation and a positive mindset, students can overcome many of the common challenges they face. By seeking out mock vivas, communicating with advisors, and maintaining a clear focus on the core of their research, students can navigate the viva process more effectively and achieve better results.