Research hotspots and development trends of international learning cycle model:Bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace

The Learning Cycle Model (LCM) is an inquiry-based teaching strategy and curriculum model that has been researched and practiced for almost half a century and has achieved good educational results in science education, especially in primary and secondary schools. This study collected LCM educational research data to better understand the recent progress of LCM educational research. It used the bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace for the first time to sort out the overall development of LCM. Compared to other literature review methods, we obtained a more comprehensive picture of the current research hotspots and future research trends in LCM research. First, we searched 498 articles from the Web of Science core collection between 2000 and May 16, 2023. The trajectory of LCM research was identified by analyzing publication trends, authors, countries/regions, and research institutions. Secondly, we obtained the keyword co-occurrence map and clustering map through CiteSpace's built-in algorithm to analyze the main areas and research frontiers of this study. Meanwhile, the development trend is shown by co-keyword burst detection. After analysis, this study found that the current research hotspot findings focus on conceptual learning, validity research, and integration with different teaching processes. The research frontiers are mainly related to teacher professional development and research on the impact of LCM on learning outcomes. Finally, this study discusses future research directions, including research on the impact of LCM on 21st century skills, comparison with other modes of inquiry teaching and learning, and its use in engineering education, to promote better development of LCM.