How can a golf instructor effectively assess a student's performance?

Assessing a student's performance in golf requires a comprehensive approach that directly examines their skills in action. Observing a student's skills during practice and play allows an instructor to see how the student applies techniques in real-time situations. This observation is crucial for understanding not only the student’s strengths and weaknesses but also their decision-making and strategies during rounds.

Incorporating video analysis enhances this process by providing visual feedback. Students can see their swings from different angles, helping to identify technical flaws that may not be apparent during live observation. Video review can also track progress over time, making it easier to set specific goals and benchmarks.

The other choices do not offer this level of effective assessment. A quiz on golf rules does not evaluate practical skill or technique, self-reports may lack accuracy and objectivity, and evaluating personal golf equipment gives little insight into the student's ability to execute skills on the course. Thus, the combination of observation during play and video analysis is the most effective way to assess performance in golf instruction.