Simplifying Texts with AI for Alpha Courses (ChatGPT)

Use ChatGPT to simplify complex texts for adult learners with low literacy, making them accessible and pedagogically appropriate for Alpha and beginner language courses.

DigCompEdu Competence Area(s)

Digital resources, Teaching & learning, Empowering learners

Time

Preparation time 15 minutes

Implementation time 45 minutes

Educator Progression Level

Explorer

Target groups

Alpha / low-literacy adult learners Any Language – Beginner Level

Minimum student digital skill level

Basic

Minimum student language level

A1

🎓 Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Read simplified texts appropriate to their Alpha or beginner literacy level.
  • Engage with authentic topics adapted to their real-life experiences and curriculum themes.
  • Answer comprehension questions and complete vocabulary work on AI-simplified texts.

Ingredients

Item / Resource Quantity Purpose
ChatGPT (free or paid version) 1 per educator To generate simplified texts
Topic list or curriculum themes 1 per session Source material for text simplification
Google Docs or Word processor 1 per educator To format and distribute the simplified text
Paper for printing (optional) As needed For learners without device access

Utensils

  • Computer or tablet with internet access
  • ChatGPT account (free version sufficient)
  • Word processor or Google Docs for formatting

🥣 Preparation – Before Implementation

  • Identify a topic relevant to your curriculum (e.g. sports, health, housing, work).
  • Find or write a source text at a higher level that you want to simplify.
  • Open ChatGPT and prepare your simplification prompt.
  • Test the prompt yourself before the session to check the output quality.

🔥 Implementation Steps

  • Open ChatGPT and enter your simplification prompt. Example: “You are an experienced teacher with Alpha certification. Simplify this text for Alpha learners Module 4 of the literacy course. Pay particular attention to vocabulary related to [topic].”
  • Paste the source text into the prompt and submit.
  • Read the generated text carefully. Check: sentence length, word difficulty, and relevance to the Alpha module.
  • Verify that vocabulary and grammar match your target level.
  • Make minor adjustments if needed.
  • Copy the text into your word processor, add a title and formatting, then share digitally or print.
  • Students read the text individually or in pairs, followed by comprehension questions, vocabulary work, or discussion.
  • Ask ChatGPT to create questions: “Please create comprehension questions and vocabulary work for the above reading passage.”

🧂 Differentiation & Inclusion

  • For mixed-level classes: Generate multiple versions of the same topic at different Alpha proficiency levels.
  • For visual learners: Ask ChatGPT to suggest where images could be added to support comprehension.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Adapt examples to learners’ real-life experiences and diverse backgrounds.

🍴 Assessment & Feedback

Criterion Excellent Good Needs Work
Text appropriateness Text is fully accessible, vocabulary and grammar match Alpha level Text is mostly accessible with minor adjustments needed Text is too complex or not relevant to learner level
Comprehension task quality Questions are clear, varied, and appropriately levelled Questions are mostly clear but some need refinement Questions are unclear or too difficult for the level
Learner engagement Learners engage actively with the text and complete all tasks Learners engage partially with some support needed Learners struggle to engage with the text

⚠️ Ethics, Privacy & Safeguarding

  • No student data is shared with ChatGPT when generating texts.
  • Generated content is original and does not violate copyright.
  • Ensure school policies allow use of AI-generated educational materials.
  • Review generated texts for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
  • Be aware that AI may reflect biases in training data; vary topics and perspectives

🍱 Extensions / Follow‑Ups

  • Generate related vocabulary or grammar exercises based on the reading.
  • Create reading materials that support other curriculum areas (cross-subject links).

🔗 Cross‑Subject Link

  • Build a library of simplified texts for different Alpha modules and topics.

References & Resources

ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com

BAMF Curriculum – Konzept fuer einen bundesweiten Alphabetisierungskurs  https://www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Anlagen/DE/Integration/Integrationskurse/Kurstraeger/KonzepteLeitfaeden/konz-f-bundesw-ik-mit-alphabet.pdf?__blob=publicationFile 

OpenAI Usage Policies – Guidelines for appropriate use of ChatGPT https://openai.com/policies/usage-policies/

AI in Education Guidelines – Ethical guidelines for educators on using artificial intelligence  https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/actions/plan/ethical-guidelines-for-educators-on-using-artificial-intelligence