Conclusions

Throughout the process of doing this research, I feel that my own opinions and feelings about anti- bullying campaigns have changed tremendously. When I first stumbled upon the topic of the ‘negative’ effects of anti- bullying campaigns, I was caught a little off guard. My internal dialogue was telling me that someone would have to be insane to oppose programs that are working to keep students safe. However after reading the initial article on how these campaigns may not be as positive as we perceive, I started to understand why these campaigns may not actually be in the best interest of students. I was still very skeptical as I continued researching, but the further I dug into the facts, the harder it was to deny what was staring me in the face: these tactics simply aren’t working. Even though I had seen this truth, the guilt was still there, creeping in as I discussed my topic with peers and family members. It seemed as if my views were somehow pro- bullying… but I knew that wasn’t true, so I decided to dig deeper into the subconscious reasons why we choose to oppose those that question these programs. The information I uncovered about the intensely emotional experience of bullying and cyber bullying helped me to understand why so many people are adamant supporters of these programs. I also started to see that they were being thrust into schools without review because of how urgent the problem of bullying is.

My findings left me feeling rather glum. Surely there had to be some kind of solution that could actually help students to find ways to live and learn peacefully alongside one another. Then, when hope was nearly out of sight on this topic, I discovered a Guy Roth article that mentioned Autonomy Supported Teaching. Reading about the implications of this teaching method made me hopeful that there may actually be a light at the end of this cycle of bullying. Once I had this new vocabulary to Google with, my research on viable solutions for bullying came much easier. I found several curricula, strategies, and programs that are taking this Autonomy Supported method and applying it in schools. The studies I found showed that this method was not only effective at preventing bullying in schools, but also brought with it a plethora of other positive implications for students. This made me hopeful that it is possible to eliminate bullying from schools and promote positive, peaceful future citizens. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this topic as I feel like I am now a better informed future educator.

This song is a part of the Mosaic Project, a musical curriculum that aims to promote autonomy supported teaching in schools and promote peaceful, supportive environments for students. The words to the song give us insight into what autonomy supported teaching may look/ sound like.