Research Trends about Secondary STEAM Education Published in Domestic Academic Journals(2012-2023)

Objectives The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends in articles on secondary STEAM education published in indexed and candidate academic journals from 2012 to 2023 and to provide foundational data for guiding future research directions in secondary STEAM education. Methods Through data searches in the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS) database, articles on secondary STEAM education published in indexed and candidate academic journals were systematically collected, resulting in a final sample of 196 papers. The analysis criteria included the characteristics of the articles, research objectives and elements, and research subjects and methods. Frequency analysis was conducted using Excel as part of a literature analysis study. Results First, an analysis of the characteristics of 196 papers on secondary STEAM education published in indexed and candidate academic journals from 2012 to 2023 revealed the following: by publication year, the highest numbers of articles were published in 2014 and 2015 (24 papers each), followed by 2016 (22 papers) and 2021 (19 papers). By journal, the Journal of Learner-Centered Curriculum and Instruction published the most articles (34 papers), followed by the Journal of the Korean Association for Science Education (12 papers) and the Korean Society of Science and Art Convergence (10 papers). Second, by research purpose, papers focused on development and application (52 papers), development (37 papers), and impact and effects (32 papers) were most common. Regarding STEAM elements, papers addressing general STEAM (88 papers) were the most prevalent, followed by A (Art, 31 papers) and S (Science, 23 papers). Third, by research subject, literature reviews (81 papers) and studies focusing on students (77 papers) were the most frequent. In terms of research methodology, quantitative studies (102 papers) and literature reviews (80 papers) were dominant. Conclusions Based on the results of the research trend analysis, the key research trends included the years 2014-2021, the Journal of Learner-Centered Curriculum and Instruction, studies focused on development and application, STEAM, literature and student-focused research, and quantitative research. Future studies should expand the scope of research by diversifying academic journals, research purposes, STEAM elements, research subjects, and methodologies.