3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Stefan Bauschard and Anand Rao from the Global Academic Commons in Boston

Owners of the the Global Academic Commons, Stefan Bauschard and Anand Rao, give the Patch an overview of the educational program and offer insight about some of their favorite books and how they became involved in education.

Patch: How did you get into teaching or education?

Anand Rao: After debating in high school and college, I started as a debate coach and instructor while working toward my masters and PhD. I quickly found that I love to work closely with students to help them develop confidence and build the communication and critical thinking skills that will help them be successful throughout their lives.

Patch: What are your three favorite books?

Anand Rao: "Drive" by Daniel Pink (we need to understand what truly motivates us to succeed). "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath (great study of what makes an idea 'stick' and reach bigger audiences). "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein (one of my favorites since I was little, and now my favorite to read with my kids).

Patch: Can you give us an overview of the Global Academic Commons?

Stefan: The Global Academic Commons is a collection of summer academic programs for students in grades 3-12 that are hosted at Boston College's main campus.

The programs are united not only around providing exceptional learning opportunities for students, but also around providing students with opportunities to develop friendships with students from across the globe who will be attending our programs.

Patch: Can you tell us about the various programs offered?

Stefan Bauschard: Individual programs for students in grades 6-12 include Debate, Future Leaders, Journalism, Math, Mock Trial, Public Speaking, STEAM for Girls and Web Design. Our elementary programs for students in grades 3-5 are centered around STREAM and include Holidays Around the World, Science Projects, Drama and a STREAM skills week.

Patch: What is the classroom setting like?

Anand Rao: We firmly believe that students learn best in a supportive, engaging and challenging environment. We keep the student to instructor ratio of 1:10 to make sure that each student gets individualized attention and the chance to work one-on-one as they develop and apply the skills that they are learning.

The digital tools available to today's students are amazing, and we make use of some of the best online tools available, and instruct students on best practices. But we also believe that students need face-to-face engagement to best learn and apply the skills we are helping them develop.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the housing options?

Stefan Bauschard: The program is open to both residential and commuter students. Residential students will live in the Boston College dormitories. During the day, they will participate in their academic program and in the evening they will participate in supervised academic activities with students from throughout the country and around the world.

Patch: Are there any events during the program and if so, do you have any favorites?

Anand Rao: We know from our own experience that social interaction is important to any successful educational setting, and we make the most of that interaction both in and outside of class. In class, we have discussion and exercises to apply what students are learning. And after class we have fun activities that will keep students engaged and excited as they learn about and from one another.

Patch: What was the best advice a teacher ever gave to you and do you remember the grade/subject he or she taught?

Anand Rao: "Einstein did his best work when the university was closed" - given to me by a philosophy professor who was my honors thesis advisor in college; as he further explained, you will be happier, and more successful, if you are self-motivated and do what you love.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the program’s staff and their background?

Anand Rao: We are very proud of our diverse and talented staff representing decades of experience teaching and coaching at the highest levels. Our staff was selected for their academic and teaching expertise, positive attitudes, and track records of helping students reach their potential

Patch: What's the Global Academic Commons' teaching philosophy?

Stefan Bauschard: The summer presents a unique opportunity to work with students to learn new skills and develop existing skills in an environment where students are surrounded by peers who enjoy learning. Our teaching philosophy is centered on developing a learning environment that is positive, collaborative, and enjoyable for both our students and instructors. We want our students to take a love for learning the subjects they have engaged in back to their homes and classrooms.

Patch: How can readers learn more about the program?

Online at http://globalacademic.org/, by email at info@globalacademic.org and by phone at 617-682-9697.