English education in a globalized world: uncovering new themes and research gaps for the 21st century

Purpose This study aims to explore the intersection of English and education through a systematic review of academic literature. It focuses on identifying key research themes and future research areas, particularly in sustainable teaching and learning practices within the field of English education. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzed 84 papers published between May 2000 and May 2024 using a bibliometric approach. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was used to identify clusters of research themes. These clusters helped in categorizing research areas and provided a systematic overview of the current literature in English education. Findings This study identified four distinct research clusters that represent core themes in English education research. These themes informed the development of a research agenda focusing on areas that require further exploration, particularly in sustainable teaching and learning practices. This study also examined the theoretical and practical implications of these themes. Practical implications The findings provide educators and policymakers with a framework to prioritize research efforts, allocate resources and develop strategies to enhance sustainable teaching and learning practices in English education. Social implications By emphasizing the importance of sustainability in teaching and learning, this study promotes educational practices that contribute to long-term improvements in both student outcomes and teacher development. It identifies opportunities for sustainable growth in English education that benefit diverse learners. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to apply a bibliometric approach to systematically review the intersection of English and education. By identifying core research clusters and creating a research agenda, this study contributes new insights into sustainable practices in English education.