The Focus and Trend of STEM Education Research in China—Visual Analysis Based on CiteSpace

In this study, 1146 journal papers on Chinese STEM education research were visualized by using CiteSpace visualization software. It is found that the core group of authors of STEM education research in China has not been formed. Also, there is no universal cooperation among the research institutions. The core areas of research include STEM education abroad, analysis of STEM theory, STEM curriculum and teaching. China’s STEM education research can be roughly divided into three periods: initial exploration period, rapid development period and deepening research period. The key areas of future research are science education, research on foreign STEM education and modern educational technology innovation.