Practical Work and Project: Record, Project Method, Analysis and Viva
What is assessed
Practical work carries marks for the practical record/file, the project, a viva and an on-the-spot task. Examiners look for accurate observations, correct technique, neat labelling and clear reasoning - not only a finished product.
Project method, step by step
- Select a real problem from a syllabus area, such as iron-deficiency anaemia among adolescent girls.
- State objectives in measurable terms.
- Review basic information and fix a plan.
- Choose tools - questionnaire, interview schedule, observation checklist, diet survey (24-hour recall or weighment), anthropometry.
- Collect and record data honestly.
- Analyse: totals, percentages, means, comparison with standards.
- Draw conclusions, suggest action, and evaluate your own work.
- Report: title page, acknowledgement, index, introduction, methodology, findings, conclusion, bibliography.
Worked example
A student records weight 60 kg and height 1.50 m. BMI = 60 ÷ (1.50)² = 60 ÷ 2.25 = 26.7. Reasoning: with WHO cut-offs (normal 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9) the value falls in the overweight band; the Asian-Indian cut-off (overweight from 23) gives the same classification. Writing "26.7 kg" or forgetting to square the height loses the mark.
Traps
- Presenting a project without evaluation - the marking scheme allots marks for it.
- Reporting raw data with no analysis or comparison against a standard.
- Omitting units in anthropometry (kg, m, cm) and failing to square height in BMI.
- Submitting a copied project; viva questions expose it immediately.