Job Discussion Forums

[Johnmc]

Hi,
I'll be teaching for the first time in September and the information in this forum has been very helpful in regard to preparing for the first day. I would however, like to be prepared as much as possible for those "Getting-to-know-you" questions from the students.
What questions do your university students ask you when they meet you for the first time(in the first lesson)? How do you discourage them from asking personal questions, without discouraging them from asking ANY questions?
What questions do you ask them? Are there any personal questions they don't like been asked? I would like to establish the groundwork, in the first lesson at least, for mutual trust. Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks

[Gordon]

Where will you be teaching? Personal questions are often cultural.
When a student asks me an inappropriate question , I tell them so and then proceed to go over the types of question one should not ask a person until they know them better. This does not embarass them if you do it carefully.

Common questions I am asked is:
How old are you?
Are you married?
Do you have children? If you say no, they may ask you why?
Where are you from?
How long have you been teaching?
Why did you want to be a teacher?