Private
How do you know the line between too much private information about yourself when introducing yourself to the class for the first time?
Colleen,
Students love to hear stories from their instructors in relation to what is being studied. These stories help to make real the content and gives them ideas about application.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I tell them about intersting experiences I had in my profession and the areas I am interested in. This shows some interests of mine without getting in to my personal life.
Ernest,
Two good connecting points for the students. They see you more as a human being that is an instructor rather than just a content specialists that is in front of the class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have found that if I can get each of the students to share some little personal "tid-bit" about themself before I begin to share my own information, I can often find something of my own to share that is "common ground" between us -(eg. student mentions fishing - "I do a little fishing myself, usually don't catch a heck of a lot but I find it really relaxing".
This type of interaction often seems to foster a personal/individual "bond" that will also open the door for future communications. As an aside, it also helps me to remember the student's name because it is a "person to person" connection.
Georgiajo,
Well said and a good remember for all instructors. Be careful of the information shared and make sure the boundaries are clear.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Keeping it based on hobbies or interests is probably best. I have learned from experience that too much about yourself personally can back fire into students thinking you talk too much about your self and not focusing on the course. They want to know you are human, but dont become a buddy. Keep the boundaries clear.
This is a very good way to draw the line between professional and nonprofessional.
Jennifer,
I always recommend that you share personal information that you are comfortable sharing with strangers. This may be work/educational experience, hobbies and misc. things like travel, etc.. Just enough to let the students see the human side of you as an educator.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
