NET in the Wild Natural Environment Teaching & In-Vivo Data Collection

Natural Environment Teaching (NET) provides opportunities for skill acquisition within meaningful activities, naturally occurring antecedent conditions, and functionally relevant reinforcement contingencies. However, effective implementation requires substantially more than conducting therapy outside of a traditional tabletop environment. Behavior technicians must recognize relevant environmental variables, identify changes in motivation, capture or arrange appropriate learning opportunities, implement programmed prompting and reinforcement procedures, and accurately measure behavior while actively interacting with the learner. This interactive virtual training examines the practical implementation of NET and in-vivo data collection from the perspective of the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Participants will analyze simulated clinical scenarios to differentiate NET from unstructured interaction and “DTT on the floor,” identify naturally occurring and contrived learning opportunities, recognize motivating operations, evaluate natural reinforcement contingencies, and select measurement procedures appropriate for behavior occurring within dynamic environments. Particular attention is given to maintaining data integrity when traditional trial-by-trial recording may interfere with ongoing interaction. Through polls, scenario-based decision making, knowledge checks, and simulated data-collection exercises, participants will practice identifying the behavioral processes underlying effective NET while maintaining learner engagement, dignity, and meaningful skill development.