Research trends of computational thinking in mathematics learning: A bibliometric analysis from 2009 to 2023

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive overview of computational thinking (CT) research trends in mathematics learning from 2009 to 2023. To reach this aim, a bibliometric approach was used in this study to analyze the publication distribution pattern on CT focused on the following categories: research development, the most productive journals and countries, highly cited references, topic network, and thematic evolution map. A total of 276 articles retrieved from the Scopus database were analyzed and visualized through the Bibliometrix analysis package from R and VOSviewer software. The finding shows that since 2009, CT has been the subject of mathematics learning research, which has grown significantly since 2013. Regarding total publication in CT, Education and Information Technologies contributes as the most productive journal, and the United States places first among all countries. The article ‘computational thinking’ appears as the most widely referenced source. Moreover, the frequent topics network with CT are the integration of CT with programming, STEM, and coding. This result is analyzed further by the thematic evolution map showing CT research in STEM education, including mathematics, exhibits promising prospects for future development.