Too Much Personal Information in Introductions
Many universities, especially online, require students to introduce themselves, giving some background, accomplishments and experience they have in the course topics. Instructors typically respond to each and every student, welcoming them to the class and giving a personalized reply.
How do you handle those that give way too much personal information?
You are absolutely correct, Wendy!
...providing students with a model of an appropriate level of sharing 'too much' personal information is definitely the key. We want our students to feel comfortable about sharing and providing information---particularly the individuals who are quiet, shy, or 'isolated' from the rest of course.
However, there still needs to be some guidelines or criteria on how this information should be revealed or expressed.
Thanks for your post!
I have a similar problem with too much personal information revealed in writing assignments that students share with the class. I remind students that they should carefully consider what they want to share and provide them with both a model of an appropriate level of sharing and also some alternatives to getting "too personal." There is sometimes the potential for class to become a therapy session if we don't establish some guidelines.
I agree with giving an example of the information you'd like them to share about themselves. I also encourage students to connect with each other via social media platforms if they so choose. That way, if people want to share additional information with each other, they are able to do so outside the classroom environment.
I think it is important to remember that it is not always the students who give too much personal info, as I have heard very negative comments from students about how a teacher just goes off on tangents about himself and how great he is. I think, Dr. Gary, is right, we need to keep a template for the students, and gear them only to answer in that format, this will eliminate too much personal info.
Hi Mary,
I create a profile example for my students to follow when introducing themselves and sharing information. This really keeps the information to a minimum but gives enough content for all of us in the class to be able to understand and share with each other.
Gary
