Case study 6: Jude

Scenario

Jude is dyslexic and has short term memory difficulties. She has managed her PhD studies, has well-developed strategies for managing her learning and has also worked with a dyslexia support tutor throughout her research.

Suggested adjustments

It would be good for Jude's supervisor to talk with her and her support tutor about the viva process and any potential challenges the viva raises. Jude could be at a disadvantage if her well-honed learning strategies do not transfer to an oral examination. For example, due to Jude's short term memory difficulties, the examiners questioning, which requires candidates to hold questions in their mind and answers with reference to their research, may prove challenging.

 As Jude has developed coping strategies for completing a PhD, then it is possible that she can work out ways of managing the viva. She will need to know what to expect and be given opportunities for practising. Her own preparation will be paramount; ideally she will devise prompts that link her thesis with expected questions. Her learning support tutor can assist her to achieve a system that works for her.

During the viva, it would be good practice for examiners to keep questions short; 2 or 3 part questions would be very difficult for Jude to hold and process. Examiners and chair will need to be aware of the issues so that their method of asking questions is appropriate and it would be advisable for the chair to give permission for Jude to ask examiners to repeat their questions.