Exploring the research trends in STEAM education for preschoolers: a bibliometric analysis

This study offers an in-depth bibliometric analysis of current research on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in preschool settings, using a dataset of 42 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection. By applying VOSviewer for co-occurrence network analysis (full counting, minimum of 3 keyword occurrences), we identified four main thematic clusters: (1) Innovative teaching practices and teacher training, highlighting the importance of educator preparedness and curriculum development; (2) Child development through STEAM, focusing on improvements in creativity, collaboration, and cognitive skills; (3) Technology and engineering integration, examining the use of robotics, coding, and design thinking with young learners; and (4) Cultural and environmental contexts, emphasizing localized, inclusive, and outdoor learning approaches. The findings show increasing international attention to early STEAM education, along with a clear need for better assessment tools and stronger support for teacher training. This analysis helps clarify where the field stands and where it might go next, offering valuable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers interested in early childhood education.