How can teachers effectively assess students’ online research skills?

Evaluating students’ ability to find, evaluate, and utilize reliable sources is crucial for assessing their online research skills. This approach encompasses a comprehensive understanding of research processes, which includes knowing how to identify credible sources, distinguishing between various types of information, and effectively utilizing that information in their work. By focusing on these skills, teachers can gain meaningful insights into students' proficiency in navigating online content, critically analyzing the reliability of sources, and applying their findings in a structured manner.

In contrast, asking students to write essays only does not provide a thorough assessment of their research skills, as it primarily evaluates writing ability rather than the entire research process. Monitoring social media activity may not accurately reflect students' academic research capabilities. Conducting interviews with students can give personal insights, but it may lack the structured evaluation of practical skills in the research context. Thus, option B effectively captures a holistic approach to assessing online research capabilities.