Natural Environment Teaching (NET): What It Is and Why It Works

When it comes to teaching children, especially those with developmental delays or learning difficulties, traditional classroom settings aren't always the best fit. This is where Natural Environment Teaching (NET) comes in—a dynamic, hands-on approach that’s increasingly being used in schools and early intervention programs. But what exactly is it, and why is it becoming more popular? Let’s dive in.

What Is Natural Environment Teaching (NET)?

At its core, Natural Environment Teaching is a strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy that focuses on teaching skills in the child’s natural environment. Unlike structured teaching methods that happen in a controlled setting, NET uses everyday situations to teach. For example, instead of teaching a child to request a toy by showing them flashcards in a classroom, the child would be taught to ask for a toy while playing in a park or during free play at school.

The goal is to make learning feel as natural as possible skills are taught in real-life contexts, where they’re most likely to be used. This helps the child generalize the skill across different settings, people, and times, making it more functional and applicable to their day-to-day life.

Why Is It Used?

NET is particularly useful for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental challenges. Many of these children struggle with generalizing skills learned in traditional settings. For example, a child might learn how to say "hello" during a classroom exercise but fail to do so in casual social settings.

By using Natural Environment Teaching, skills are learned and practiced in real-world contexts. Here are some of the reasons why NET is so effective:

1. Increased Motivation: Children are often more motivated to engage in activities they enjoy. By embedding learning into their favorite activities, NET encourages children to participate and stay interested.

2. Better Skill Generalization: Skills are taught where they’ll be used, helping children apply what they’ve learned across various settings, such as home, school, and play environments.

3. Real-World Practice: Since the teaching happens in natural environments, children get immediate practice in applying the skill to real-life situations. For example, a child learns to request a snack during snack time rather than in an artificial setting.

4. Flexible and Adaptable: NET allows teachers and therapists to adapt lessons based on the child's interests at that moment, making learning more engaging.

What Results Have Been Seen?

There’s a growing body of research that supports the use of NET, particularly for children with autism and other developmental challenges. Some of the positive outcomes reported include:

• Improved communication skills: NET is highly effective at teaching children how to use language in practical, everyday situations. For example, children may learn to ask for help when they need it or to initiate play with peers.

• Better social interactions: By learning in a natural setting, children are more likely to use their newly acquired social skills in real-life scenarios, such as greeting others, taking turns, and following social cues.

• Enhanced problem-solving: Because NET encourages children to learn through real-life experiences, they often develop stronger problem-solving skills. For instance, a child might learn to ask for help when a toy is out of reach or to find alternative ways to communicate when needed.

• Increased independence: By teaching functional skills in natural environments, children often become more independent. They learn skills that directly impact their day-to-day lives, such as dressing, eating, or asking for things they want or need.

How NET Can Be Integrated into Australian Classrooms

If you’re a teacher in Australia, you might be wondering how to incorporate Natural Environment Teaching into your classroom. The good news is that it’s a flexible strategy that can be adapted to suit any setting. Here are a few tips:

1. Incorporate Play: Use free-play time to introduce NET principles. For example, if a child shows interest in a particular toy, you can use that moment to teach them how to request the toy, share, or follow instructions.

2. Use Daily Routines: Everyday routines like snack time, lining up, or getting dressed for outdoor activities are great opportunities to embed learning. Teach skills like communication or following directions as children engage in these daily tasks.

3. Follow the Child’s Lead: NET works best when it follows the child’s interests. Pay attention to what captures their attention and use those interests as a springboard for learning.

Why NET Matters for Australian Teachers

As teaching methods evolve, particularly in the realm of special education, NET is becoming a go-to strategy for helping children with developmental challenges succeed. It’s a friendly, flexible, and highly effective way to build practical skills in real-world environments, ensuring children are equipped to use these skills in their everyday lives.

At Prospero Teaching, we know that finding the right teaching role can be life-changing, especially for those passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. Natural Environment Teaching is just one example of how you can create a meaningful impact. If you’re excited about using progressive teaching methods like NET, we’re here to help you find the perfect role to put your skills into practice.

Ready to explore teaching opportunities in Australia?

Reach out to us at Prospero Teaching and discover how we can connect you with schools where you can make a real difference.