International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
Submit Paper

Title:
Effect of Teacher Professional Development and the Implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi City County

Authors:
Francis Irungu , Dr Anne Munuku and Dr Jackson Ndung’u

Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER)
ISSN: 2455-8834
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Publication Date: February 2025
DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i02.022

|| ||

Francis Irungu1 , Dr Anne Munuku2 and Dr Jackson Ndung’u3
1. Masters Graduate, Department of Educational and Psychological Studies
2,3. Lecturer, Department of Educational and Psychological Studies KCA University, Nairobi, Kenya

MLA 8
Irungu, Francis, et al. "Effect of Teacher Professional Development and the Implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi City County." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 10, no. 2, Feb. 2025, pp. 807-824, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i02.022. Accessed Feb. 2025.
APA 6
Irungu, F., Munuku, D., & Ndung’u, D. (2025, February). Effect of Teacher Professional Development and the Implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi City County. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 10(2), 807-824. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i02.022
Chicago
Irungu, Francis, Dr Anne Munuku, and Dr Jackson Ndung’u. "Effect of Teacher Professional Development and the Implementation of Integrated Science in Competency Based Curriculum: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi City County." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 10, no. 2 (February 2025), 807-824. Accessed February, 2025. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2025.v10i02.022.

References

[1] . Agyei, D. (2021). The impact of ICT-instructional professional development on teachers' instructional practices in science education. Journal of Educational Technology Research, 14(3), 205-217.
[2] . Awili, R., & Begi, N. (2021). Relationship between Instructional Leadership and Implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Early Years Education in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science Journal, 2(3), 476–488. https://doi.org/10.47175/rielsj.v2i3.280
[3] . Delbert, T. M., & Jacobs, K. (2021). Best practices in leadership curriculum development: A case study of a curriculum designed to foster authentic leadership skills in graduate students. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 21(2), 166–183. https://doi.org/10.33423/JHETP.V21I2.4126
[4] . Dolfing, R., Van der Kooij, H., & Keijzer, R. (2021). Supporting teachers' professional development in curriculum innovations: A framework for integrating pedagogical and content changes. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 30(2), 113-130.
[5] . Fitria Desy Dwi Kisardi Putri, & Kalstum, H. U. (2022). The Principal’s Leadership Role in Implementation of the Independent Curriculum in Elementary School. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 6(4), 680–688. https://doi.org/10.23887/jisd.v6i4.55897
[6] . Healy, M. (2015). Educational psychology and collaborative learning in the classroom. New York, NY: Routledge.
[7] . Lam, J., Cheng, L., & Choy, S. (2015). Participative leadership and collaborative decision-making in educational settings: Impact on teacher commitment. International Journal of Educational Management, 29(2), 139-152.
[8] . Looi, C., Lin, C., & Liu, K. (2018). A professional development model for science teachers: Improving questioning techniques and student-centered learning. Teaching and Teacher Education, 75, 1-12.
[9] . MockingJay. (2022). Social development theory in education: Applications and examples. Educational Theories Journal, 8(4), 334-350.
[10] . Morrish, D., & Neesam, M. (2021). Trends in coverage of hygiene and disease prevention topics across national curriculum frameworks for primary science, physical education, and health. Prospects, 51(1–3), 363–381. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-020-09525-7
[11] . Njenga, M. (2022). Assessing vocational teachers' learning needs: Professional development in Kenya's TVET institutions. African Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, 11(1), 50-65.
[12] . Njenga, M. (2022). Vocational teachers' professional development needs in Kenya: Insights from TVET institutions. African Journal of Vocational and Technical Education, 11(1), 50-65.
[13] . Okoth, U. A. (2018). Head Teachers’ Characteristics and Instructional Leadership in Curriculum Implementation in Secondary Schools, Siaya County, Kenya. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 14(19), 75. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2018.v14n19p75
[14] . Uzule, K. (2020). Teacher training and education programs in Latvia: Are e-competences included? Business Management and Education, 18(2), 294–306. https://doi.org/10.3846/bme.2020.12631
[15] . Wambua, M. E., & Samuel, W. (2019). Constraints Facing Successful Implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya. American Journal of Educational Research, 7(12), 943–947. Retrieved from http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/7/12/8

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of teacher professional development on implementation of integrated science in competency-based curriculum in junior schools in Westlands Sub-County. The study was guided by the social development theory. A descriptive research design was used. The target population were teachers, principals and heads of departments in the 30 junior schools in Westlands Sub County. A census was conducted for the integrated science teachers while 30% of heads of departments and principals were purposively selected. Data were collected through mixed methods. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the teachers in the selected schools. Interviews were conducted with heads of departments and principals. A pilot study was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29, employing correlation and regression analysis techniques. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results showed that teacher professional development positively correlated with implementation of integrated science in the CBC in JSS(r=0.923, p=0.000). This study concludes that, despite teachers' strong understanding of integrated science, they face challenges due to a lack of resources, such as teaching materials and laboratory equipment. There was an increase in teacher workload, yet few received sufficient job training or continuous education opportunities in integrated science. The study suggests that JSS should encourage greater involvement in research activities and professional organizations to promote continuous professional growth.

IJSSER is Member of