English language teachers' education has benefited from insights of research in teacher's thinking, especially in studies about beliefs at the initial phase of professional development (Barcelos 2004b, 2003, 2001, Johnson 1999 e 1994, Gimenez 1994, Pajares 1992). This study aims at presenting and discussing the concept of beliefs, which, according to Pajares (1992) is very complex and difficult to define. In addition, this work further discusses the importance of studying beliefs in languages teacher education, especially at the pre-service stage, which, traditionally, takes place in the Letras course.
teacher's education; beliefs; concept