A trend analysis of research relating to geometry in mathematics education using keyword network analysis

This study aimed to examine trends in research on the geometry domain of mathematics education in Korea through keyword network analysis.To achieve this, keywords from research papers related to mathematics education and geometry published in domestic journals from 2000 to May 2024 were collected, totaling 323 papers.The network analysis was conducted by dividing the data into the entire research period and specific curriculum revision periods.The results of the analysis showed that, first, the keyword with the highest frequency of occurrence, degree centrality, and closeness centrality was 'middle school' , while 'justification' showed high centrality despite a lower frequency ranking.Second, sub-network analysis using modularity and ego network analysis identified characteristics of research across different school levels, studies on mathematical giftedness, and comparative analyses of textbooks following curriculum revisions.Third, the research keywords during curriculum revision periods indicated a shift from studies focusing on the logical structure and reasoning of Euclidean geometry to those emphasizing intuitive thinking, practicality, and real-life problem-solving, aligning with the revised curriculum's focus.By categorizing and analyzing the research subjects in various ways, the study identified the core and connections of research topics in the geometry domain of mathematics education, aiding in the understanding of research trends and providing implications for future research.