MemoryLab, ETS Global and the University of Groningen receive a grant from the European Union to develop personalized, adaptive and inclusive knowledge assessment and learning environments

MemoryLab, ETS Global and the University of Groningen have been awarded a Valorisation grant from the SNN (Northern Netherlands Alliance) to develop a digital environment for personalised, adaptive and inclusive knowledge assessment and learning. The three- year project focuses on developing, validating, and demonstrating an adaptive system for learning factual knowledge that better meets the needs of neurodivergent and low- performing learners, who often face obstacles on their educational path. MemoryLab is an edtech start-up in Groningen developing adaptive assessment and learning technology. ETS Global is a subsidiary of Educational Testing Service, which is the world’s largest non- profit educational assessment and research organisation, where teams are passionate about their mission to advance quality and equity in education for all people worldwide. University of Groningen is a world-class scientific institution located in the Northern Netherlands.

Students with dyslexia, ADHD, dyscalculia, DCD, and other learning disorders can struggle in an educational system that does not adequately accommodate their individual needs. This can create long-term learning deficits relative to their neurotypical peers. Systemic inequalities and teacher shortages can mean that struggling learners, including those without a diagnosed learning disability, do not receive the support they require. Scientifically validated learning technology can play a part in addressing this problem. Adaptive learning tools can tailor a learning experience to an individual learner, by providing them choices to shape the learning environment to their needs, while also supporting the use of effective learning strategies like retrieval practice. Schools, teachers, students, experts, individuals with first-hand experience, and other stakeholders in the Northern Netherlands and beyond will be intensively involved in shaping the project.

MemoryLab will develop a system that offers each learner, including neurodivergent and low- performing learners, a personalised learning experience so that they have a better opportunity to fulfil their potential in a rapidly changing educational environment. Through this project, the aim is to deliver substantial social, economic and scientific impact, both in the Northern Netherlands and beyond.