Research Trends in IB Curriculum Using Topic Modeling

Purpose: This study analyzed the topics of research related to the IB curriculum using topic modeling and assessed the distribution of domestic research trends through the structured metrics the authors developed. Methods: To this end, 137 papers related to the IB curriculum published in domestic academic journals were collected, and the occurrences of key terms in the Korean abstracts were calculated. Then, topic modeling analysis was applied to the preprocessed Korean abstracts, resulting in the identification of 13 topics. Furthermore, the results were compared and analyzed using the analytical framework which the authors developed by integrating the nine areas related to the academic classification of education with the standards and implementation of the IB curriculum. Results: According to the results of the topic modeling analysis, the most actively researched topic area related to the IB curriculum across 13 research areas was “inquiry-based learning.” In terms of the five academic classification areas, educational technology and methodology accounted for the largest proportion, while research in the areas of educational philosophy and educational assessment was minimal. From the perspective of the IB curriculum standards and practice framework, research was primarily conducted within the category of “learning,” focusing on areas such as curriculum design, learners, teaching methods, and assessment methods. Conclusion: This study analyzed domestic research trends related to the IB curriculum and structured the research field at a time when the curriculum is being introduced and implemented more widely in our education system.