Integrating Competency-Based Approaches in Integrated Science Pedagogy Education and Effects on Students’ Mental Health in Junior Secondary Schools in Kilifi North, Kenya

Integrated science, as a key part of STEM, has specific challenges and opportunities for using competency-based approaches. The 8-4-4 methods often focus on memorization and theory. This focus can cause students to lose interest and feel anxious. On the other hand, competency-based education (CBE) promotes active learning and real-world application of knowledge. This shift can lead to greater student engagement and motivation. The purpose of this study was to examine how competency-based approaches can be integrated into teaching integrated science and their effects on students' mental health. This research used a mixed-methods design that included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. These methods assessed how competency-based learning impacts student engagement, self-confidence, and overall mental well-being. The study targeted junior secondary students and used simple random sampling to select 250 students in Kilifi County. Quantitative data was analyzed with statistical software, using paired t-tests and correlation analyses. For the qualitative data, thematic analysis was employed. The findings showed that students in competency-based education (CBE) had significantly higher engagement levels (88 vs. 75) and motivation (82 vs. 69) compared to those in the 8-4-4 system, with noticeable effect sizes reflecting these gains. CBE students also reported lower anxiety (22.5 vs. 30.2) and stress levels (25.3 vs. 33.1). They demonstrated higher emotional resilience (78.4 vs. 65.7) and overall psychological well-being (74.6 vs. 60.6). Regression analyses confirmed that greater competencies positively affected academic performance, engagement, and mental health outcomes. This highlights how effective CBE can be in promoting educational success and student well-being. It is recommended that educators and policymakers integrate competency-based education (CBE) into integrated science curricula. Providing the necessary training and resources will help improve student engagement, motivation, and mental health outcomes.