Collaborative learning and CSCL research trends: A CiteSpace bibliometric review (2000-2023)

This bibliometric study employs CiteSpace to map the landscape of collaborative learning (CL) research, analyzing 3392 journal articles indexed in the Web of Science (2000–2023). The investigation examines publication patterns, geographic contributions, and influential authors and works. Key findings indicate: (1) sustained growth in CL publications over two decades; (2) the US, China, and UK as primary contributors; (3) significant scholarly influence of Dillenbourg and Vygotsky, alongside highly cited works by Stahl, Johnson, Weinberger, and Chi; (4) dominant research foci on technology-supported CL, its design, and effects; (5) prominent hotspots including evidence-based practices, computer-supported collaborative inquiry learning, and social knowledge construction; and (6) emerging trends concerning student experiences and metacognitive regulation. This analysis provides insights for second language instruction and advances CL scholarship.