I firmly believe that as teachers it is a must that we get to know our students in any context and learning situations, and there should not be any obstacles of any kind in as far as it concerns for projecting a sense of trust and confidence in order for students to open up their affective filter and to be willing to cooperate in any learning event as well as to respond to their teacher positively.
Some of my peers already stated different ways of getting to know their students, however, I want to add another point, that of ourselves, teachers to maintain the boundaries with our students as well as the classroom democratic leadership.
Furthermore, getting students engaged in decision taking throughout the course, providing descriptive rather that prescriptive timely feedback and at most importance helping students notice that they are accountable for their learning by prompting them, provoking discussions to know their viewpoints, and empathizing with them.
Although, I by no means suggest that teachers should surrender their role, on the other hand, I strongly suggest teachers to manage courses in a collaborative fashion in which learners would be highly involved and proactive, as a result the teacher would get to know his/her students further.
Marc Del Alto