Authenticity is important to REALs for three reasons. First, it encourages students to take ownership of the situation and their own learning. Realistic problems hold more relevance to students needs and experiences, because they can relate what they are learning to problems and goals that they see every day. Second, it develops deeper and richer (indexicalized and conditioned) knowledge structures leading to a higher likelihood of transfer to novel situations. Finally, it encourages collaboration and negotiation. Complex problems require a team approach that provides natural opportunities for learners to test and refine their ideas and to help each other understand the content.