The major principles of authentic education are that learners should take a more active part in their learning, and that this learning should be closely and practically connected to their life experiences. Authentic education emphasizes the importance of promoting critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. By engaging learners in real-world scenarios, they can develop a deeper understanding of concepts and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Additionally, authentic education encourages collaboration and fosters a sense of curiosity and intrinsic motivation among students, enhancing their overall learning experience.

It can be seen that actual language in use—such as that seen in online videos, social media, and podcasts—is easily accessible to students. The majority of educators recognize that employing authentic materials—anything created with an intent other than instructing students in English—can draw in, hold, and inspire students to do better. They are aware, however, that ungraded and unfiltered content can be confusing. Speakers frequently speak rapidly and employ terminology and grammar that learners are still learning.