A bibliometric analysis of transformative learning research: trends and developments from 1992 to 2023

Abstract

The field of transformative learning has garnered significant attention from researchers and practitioners in adult education due to its potential to address the complex and unpredictable challenges of societal change. This study employs a bibliometric approach, analyzing data from the Scopus database covering the years 1992 to 2023, identifying a total of 3412 research documents in this field. The analysis reveals several key findings. Firstly, transformative learning as a research field has experienced substantial growth, with a marked increase in the number of publications over time. Secondly, there is a notable trend towards increased collaboration among authors and countries, including both developing nations and those from the Eastern part of the world. Thirdly, research themes within transformative learning are evolving, encompassing theoretical concepts and extending to practical implementations. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the development and future directions of transformative learning research, highlighting the significant contributions and collaborative efforts within the academic community. The implications of this study suggest the need for ongoing exploration and integration of transformative learning principles across diverse disciplines and contexts.

Keywords

• bibliometric analysis
• research trends
• research development
• adult education
• transformative learning
• Adult Education