ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the idea of growth mindset against the character education movement, exploring the links between the research into motivation and self-theory and the broader debates around education for character. It introduces the “marshmallow test” research of Walter Mischel into self-control and its implications for achievement and progress, before connecting mindset and self-control with Angela Duckworth’s recent research into grit. Finally, the chapter explores the rise and fall of character education policy in the British education system through the tenure of Nicky Morgan as Secretary of State for Education. The chapter discusses the question of whether or not explicit character education has merit, and it sets out the context for the application of research into motivation and self-control in a school environment.
