ABSTRACT
Beliefs matter. Th is statement seems so simple, so basic. However, beliefs are such an intricate part of who we are and what we do that they oft en go overlooked and unexamined. Th is is unfortunate. Th e infl uence and power of beliefs should neither be underestimated nor ignored. Indeed, medical doctors and researchers recognize the power of the placebo eff ect and the patient believing a treatment may work. Wars are fought; boundaries and alliances are formed, based in part on religious and ideological beliefs. But as educational researchers and practitioners, we do not need to look outside the classroom or the school to see the power of beliefs at work.
