The National Teaching Council (NTC) has made big changes to the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) to make it easier and more practical for teacher trainees. These reforms replace the old way of writing the exams and bring new, student-friendly methods.
1. Time to Write the Exam
In the past, teacher trainees had to wait one whole year after completing their training before writing the GTLE. This system has now been cancelled.
With the new system, the GTLE will be written during the final-year examination of teacher training institutions. This means students can finish their training and write the exam at the same time, saving time and reducing stress.
2. Centres for Writing the Exam
Before, candidates were not allowed to write the exam in their own colleges or training institutions. This caused extra travel and expenses.
Now, under the new reform, candidates can write the exam right in their own colleges or institutions where they trained. This change will make things more convenient and comfortable for students.
3. Practical Component Added
Previously, the GTLE focused only on theory for the pedagogy paper, and the score was based 100% on written questions. Teaching practice did not count towards the final score.
The new system is different. Practical teaching now forms part of the pedagogy scores. The teaching practice will make up 30% of the total score, while the theoretical pedagogy paper will contribute 70%. This change will test both the knowledge and the practical teaching skills of candidates.
SUMMARY
1. Time to Write GTLE
- Old: Exam was taken 1 year after completing training — Cancelled.
- New: Integrated into the final-year examination of teacher training institutions.
2. Selection of Centres for GTLE
- Old: Candidates could not write in their own college or training institution — Cancelled.
- New: Candidates can write in their own colleges or training institutions.
3. Practical Component
- Old: No practical or teaching practice component counted in pedagogy scores; pedagogy was scored entirely (100%) from theory questions — Cancelled.
- New: Teaching practice now counts toward pedagogy scores — 30% from practical teaching and 70% from theoretical pedagogy paper.
Why These Changes Matter
The new reforms mean that the GTLE is now more practical, more convenient, and better connected to the real classroom experience. Teacher trainees will no longer have to wait a long time, travel far, or focus only on theory.
The NTC believes these changes will help produce better, well-prepared teachers for Ghana’s schools.
