A Review of STEM Education Research in BRICS Countries: An Analysis of Research Trends

A Review of STEM Education Research in BRICS Countries: An Analysis of Research Trends
Authors: Albina R. Fayzullina, Teymur E. Zulfugarzade, Nataliia A. Kondakchian, Jhanna I. Aytuganova, Maria A. Khvatova, Kirena G. Kelina
Journal: Frontiers in Education(Section: STEM Education)
Volume & Date: Volume 9, 18 December 2024
 

STEM education is widely recognized as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. Despite extensive research globally, there has been limited synthesis of the research trends within BRICS countries. This study addresses that gap by analyzing 3,580 journal articles focused on STEM education, providing insights into regional research priorities, collaboration patterns, and evolving methodological approaches.

The analysis revealed a significant growth in publications after 2017, highlighting the increasing scholarly attention devoted to STEM in emerging economies. China leads in terms of both research output and author collaborations, followed by South Africa, India, Brazil, and Russia. The study identifies four primary research trends: the impact of STEM education on learning outcomes, the effectiveness of instructional strategies in engineering education, gender disparities in STEM, and the application of AI, project-based, and active learning methodologies.

By mapping authorship networks and publication outlets, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge landscape in BRICS STEM education research. These findings inform policymakers, educators, and academic institutions seeking to foster effective STEM curricula, enhance cross-national collaboration, and design evidence-based interventions to strengthen STEM capacities in emerging economies. The study also offers recommendations for future research, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and integration of innovative teaching methods.