Faculty Friday: Dr. Robert A. Koble

This week's Faculty Friday shines a spotlight on Dr. Robert A. Koble, Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Science Department at SUNY Corning Community College. Dr. Koble has dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring students in science and mathematics. From teaching his younger brothers math as a child to establishing peer-mentorship programs for biological sciences, he is committed to helping students pursue careers in these essential fields.

But Dr. Koble's interests don't stop at science - he is also an accomplished musician, playing instruments such as the violin, viola, and electric bass. He is even part of a band! In college, he was part of the Gamelan Ensemble - be sure to check out the video below to see him in action.

Read on for our exclusive interview with Dr. Koble as we dive deeper into his passions and experiences inside and outside the classroom.

Q: What inspired you to become a professor?
A: I've been teaching in some way my whole life. My parents had a large whiteboard in their garage. I used to teach my brothers math facts (like 2x2=4) on the whiteboard when I was in elementary school. Seeing them understand the concepts brings contentment to my life. Fast-forward to grad school, I had the opportunity to TA a biology class. I had so much more fun than research that I decided that I wanted to devote the rest of my life to helping students in higher education.

Q: Can you tell me more about the classes you teach and how they are profession-focused?
A: Students need to learn not just the curriculum material but also how to be a good member of the workforce. The vast majority of students transfer to a four-year institution or find gainful employment after graduation. Either way, students need to learn two basic proficiencies: How to communicate and work as a team. Any professional and personal relationship requires them to know how to communicate and work well. I use Team-Based Learning to help students practice these skills while learning the curriculum to be the best student, employees, mother, father, and sibling they can be. 

Q: How have your teaching methods evolved since you started teaching at SUNY CCC or elsewhere?
A: I used to employ the "Sage on a stage" approach of lecturing. I would try my best to use (what I thought were) interesting case studies and wicked humor to keep students interested and to convey information. I quickly realized that many of the students were not learning appropriately. In fact, studies have shown that this type of teaching is one of the least effective ways for student learning, at least compared to team-based learning. So I worked with Dr. Donna Powers to develop a Team-Based Learning class for the Life on Earth I and Life on Earth II courses. The results were astounding! Students learned so much more depth in the curriculum and showed better communication and teamwork skills at the end of the semester. It is also a lot more fun to teach!

Q: Can you tell us about any successful projects or initiatives that have resulted from your work at SUNY CCC?
A: I was involved in establishing a Peer-Mentorship model to improve retention in the biological sciences. I was able to retain double the amount of students through this program. Knowing that these students are still working towards their careers instead of failing out of the system helps me go to sleep at night! Also, providing students with extra-curricular activities to bolster their resumes, like leading them in community service by making liquid nitrogen ice cream, makes me feel like I am actively helping the students and the larger community.

Q: Is there something about you that most people don't know, such as a unique talent or hobby?
A: Sure! I have a few. I have a minor in music and play three instruments - violin, viola, and electric bass. I play the latter in a band! I also was in a Gamelan Ensemble in college. If you don't know what it is, go here! View video. I don't think I am in this video, but this was the group I played with in College! I also am a Dungeon Master for Dungeons and Dragons and have made an entire homebrew campaign.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time and outside of teaching?
A: I love my family. I have a wife and a very young son. So anytime I can teach my son, alongside my wife, new ideas and abilities, I am in my happy place.