Shaping the Future: Bibliometric Insights on Teaching Strategies in Vocational Education

This bibliometric study analyzes teaching strategies in vocational education from 2015 to 2024, focusing on research trends, interdisciplinary approaches, and technological advancements to enhance workforce readiness. Using Scopus as the primary database, 164 articles were analyzed with VOSviewer to map co-citation and co-occurrence patterns, identifying thematic trends and key scholarly areas. The findings show significant growth in research output, particularly in 2024, driven by global efforts to align vocational education with technological and industry needs. Key themes include problem-based learning, student-centered strategies, and the integration of digital tools such as e-learning and augmented reality to replicate real-world environments. Social sciences, computer science, and engineering dominate research in vocational education, while foundational fields like mathematics remain underrepresented, highlighting missed opportunities for interdisciplinary enrichment. Global disparities in research contributions reveal the United States and Germany as leaders with robust dual education systems while emerging contributors like Malaysia and Indonesia show potential through targeted investments. Challenges persist in leadership development, emotional engagement, and equitable access to digital tools. Addressing these gaps requires interdisciplinary collaboration, educator professional development, and inclusive practices. By focusing on these areas, vocational education can transform into a dynamic system, equipping learners with technical skills, emotional resilience, and adaptability to drive societal progress and economic sustainability.