I usually have a handout that I let my students pair up with. I have them ask questions about each other like tell me something some people may not know about you or if they are married with kids what their goals are, how they decided on this career etc. This really sparks up some good conversations. Then when they turn them into me it gives me a better understanding of who they are. I also ask if they are hands on or a viusal learner which helps me plan my classes better.