“Numerous research studies (Silver, 1994) have shown that when students are given opportunities to pose mathematics problems, to consider a situation and think of a mathematics question to ask of it—which is the essence of real mathematics—they become more deeply engaged and perform at higher levels.” (Boaler, Mathematical Mindsets, 2015, p. 27)

"Embedding the problem-solving information within a real-world context helps students activate their conceptual knowledge when presented with a real-life problem-solving situation (Gagne, Yerkovich, & Yerkovich, 1993) and improves student motivation, participation, and generalization (Polloway & Patton, 2001)."  (Sliva, Teaching Inclusive Mathematics to Special Learners K-6, 2004)