21st Century Skills in Mathematics and Science Education: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This research aims to develop a detailed bibliometric map of all published academic works concerning 21st-century skills in the fields of mathematics and science education (MSE). By utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) database, the analysis covered 312 publications authored by 913 researchers from 56 different countries, spanning the years 2001 to 2024. The study examined various dimensions, including scientific output, network analysis, thematic trends, changes in themes, and the conceptual framework of the literature in this field. The bibliometric analysis revealed that while the number of annual publications varies, citation counts show a steady increase. Key contributors to this area of research include Zubaidah, Mahanna, Susilo, and Harun, with the University of Nigeria Malang recognized as the most productive institution. The leading countries represented by corresponding authors are the USA, Germany, and Indonesia. Network analysis revealed significant connections between the journals Computers & Education and Computers in Human Behavior. Commonly used terms in the literature include students, technology, education, 21st-century skills, science, and mathematics, while trending topics feature technology, critical thinking, thinking skills, and STEM. The conceptual analysis indicated that about 30% of the variability was accounted for by the most effective size reduction identified. The study concludes with several recommendations based on its findings.