A bibliometric analysis of realistic mathematics education research (2000-2025): Global trends and development

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of realistic mathematics education (RME) research from 2000 to 2025, focusing on global trends and development. Employing VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we analyzed a dataset of publications related to RME. Our analysis explores key themes, influential authors, prominent countries, and the evolution of research topics within the RME field. The findings reveal significant growth in RME research globally, with a shift towards diverse applications and adaptations of the RME approach. We identify influential clusters of research focusing on areas such as curriculum development, teacher education, technology integration, and specific mathematical domains like geometry and algebra. The study also highlights the emergence of new research areas, including the integration of digital tools and the exploration of RME’s impact on diverse learner populations. Furthermore, we examine the collaborative networks between researchers and institutions, identifying key players and collaborative patterns across different countries. This analysis provides valuable insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers interested in understanding the current state and future directions of RME research, ultimately contributing to the advancement of mathematics education globally.