Noncontingent Reinforcement: Enriching the Classroom Environment to Reduce Problem Behaviors

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is an evidence-based behavior change tactic that effectively reduces problem behaviors in classrooms and clinical settings. NCR includes providing a known reinforcer on a fixed schedule, independent of the students’ behavior. Although NCR has effectively reduced challenging behavior in a variety of settings and a range of participant characteristics (age, gender, disability, etc.), it has received little attention within practitioner literature. The current article describes foundational components of NCR and provides a five-step practitioner’s guide for implementing NCR within the classroom. Common questions and concerns regarding implementing NCR are addressed and discussed throughout.