Disclosure
I find that it is always a good idea to disclose something about yourself. Without getting too personal, this can be very effective is developing a rapport with your students.
I do the same it better than handing the students your resume. It starts the mentor relationship for the course.
It also shows that as we go through life, we will fall down along the way and skin our knees but we just have to get right back up and move forward and hopefully we learn from our mistakes and try not to make the same mistake again
I always try to tell a funny story about my experiences as a nursing student so that it reminds them that I remember what it was like to be in their shoes.
It always breaks the ice and helps them see me as not only the consummate professional but also as a person that has made mistakes along my path and to see how these mistakes contributed to my personal & professional growth. (As well as good fodder for breaking the ice)
I have noticed that sometimes there is too much information revealed so I will stop them and tell them that is more than I want to know and to save it for CNN. I will however allow them to speak with me in confidence if there is a problem, but not to air it in the group foremat.
It also reminds them that to err is human and no matter what they do, tomorrow is another day so they can grin and bear it.
I agree, the students need to know that you are both a person AND a professional.
I work at a tech school that teaches specialized automotive courses. It is always a big help to discuss your backround without getting too personal because the student then feels he is being taught by someone who has a great deal of experience and is able to deliver the information that they came for.
