Novina Sabila Zahra, Nadila Apriola Susanto, Bernadeta Yosefani Anugrahastuti, Nur Amalina Naada Sabrina, Supra Wimbarti

Fraction Understanding in Children: Bibliometric Analysis

Introduction

Fraction understanding in children: bibliometric analysis. Explore children's fraction understanding through a bibliometric analysis. Discover key research trends, contributors, and emerging themes in mathematics education from 1975-2023.

Abstract

This study used a bibliometric analysis approach to investigate the literature on children’s development of fraction understanding. Fraction understanding is crucial in early mathematics education because it is the foundation for more advanced concepts. Bibliometric analysis gives a comprehensive data-driven assessment of research trends, significant contributors, and emerging themes in this field. The data were sourced from the Scopus journal database, encompassing 228 articles from 1975 to 2023. Analytical and visualization tools, including VOS Viewer and the Bibliometrix R-Package, were utilized to map connections among journals, authors, countries/regions, and keywords. The findings indicated a trend of increasing publication volume over the past 15 years, with a yearly growth in articles on this topic. Keyword analysis revealed that, within these publications, “fraction” was the most frequently encountered term, followed by “mathematics” and “decimals”. Moreover, there has been a shift in research focus from studying the challenges in conceptual understanding of fractions among children to investigating alternative interventions designed to address these challenges. This study is a foundational reference for future research on the progression of fraction understanding in children.

Review

This study, titled 'Fraction Understanding in Children: Bibliometric Analysis,' presents a valuable and timely contribution to the field of mathematics education research. By employing a comprehensive bibliometric approach, the authors aim to systematically map the intellectual landscape surrounding children's development of fraction understanding, a topic rightly identified as foundational for advanced mathematical concepts. The chosen methodology offers a robust, data-driven overview of research trends, key contributors, and evolving themes, providing a much-needed bird's-eye view of a critical area of pedagogical and cognitive inquiry. The strength of this work lies in its rigorous approach to data collection and analysis. Sourcing 228 articles from the Scopus database spanning nearly five decades (1975-2023) demonstrates a thorough effort to capture the breadth of scholarship. The utilization of sophisticated analytical and visualization tools like VOS Viewer and the Bibliometrix R-Package further enhances the credibility and utility of the findings, allowing for clear mapping of connections among various research entities. The identified trends, such as the increasing publication volume over the past 15 years and the prominence of keywords like 'fraction,' 'mathematics,' and 'decimals,' offer concrete insights into the field's trajectory. Particularly insightful is the observation of a significant shift in research focus from merely identifying conceptual challenges to actively investigating intervention strategies, signaling a maturing research agenda responsive to practical educational needs. As a 'foundational reference,' this study effectively establishes a baseline for understanding the historical development and current state of research on fraction understanding. While the abstract effectively outlines key trends, a full paper would ideally expand on the implications of these shifts for curriculum development and pedagogical practice. Further exploration of specific intervention types, their efficacy, or the geographical distribution of research expertise could deepen its foundational value. This bibliometric analysis serves as an excellent starting point, not only for new researchers seeking to identify gaps and opportunities but also for established scholars looking to contextualize their work within the broader research landscape, ultimately guiding future efforts to enhance children's fraction understanding.

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