Research Status and Hotspot Analysis of Curriculum Evaluation in Chinese Higher Vocational Education

This study employs CiteSpace, an information visualization software, to analyze the research status and trends in curriculum evaluation within Chinese higher vocational education. By collecting data from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database over the past two decades, the study generates knowledge maps and tables to reveal the spatiotemporal characteristics, core authors, research institutions, and hotspots in this field. The analysis shows distinct stages of development, with an initial development stage (2004-2007), an explosive growth stage (2008-2015), and a fluctuating development stage (2016-2023). The study identifies 14 core authors and the main research institutions, highlighting the need for stronger collaborative relationships. Through keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis, the research hotspots are found to focus on the connotation evolution, realistic dilemmas, and functions of curriculum evaluation in Chinese higher vocational education. The study concludes by discussing the theoretical extension, categorical characteristics, dynamic improvement of indicators, and functional effects of teaching evaluation in Chinese higher vocational education. Future prospects emphasize the importance of expanding the evaluation system, adapting to industry needs, and developing intelligent teaching models to enhance the quality and relevance of higher vocational education in China.