Knowledge Map of Learner characteristics in Blended Learning: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

The study of learner characteristics in blended learning has consistently emerged as a central theme in the global discourse on blended learning, and occupies a central position in research in international fields of education and psychology. The aim of this study is to explore the research focal points, trends, and cutting-edge developments related to learner characteristics in blended learning. CiteSpace was used to visually analyse 2,672 high-quality literature articles related to learner characteristics in blended learning in the Web of Science database spanning from 2014 to 2023. The data obtained from the Web of Science database includes titles, abstracts, years, keywords, authors, academic institutions, journals, and citation counts. To facilitate visualization, we employed CiteSpace visualization software for literature analyses, knowledge mapping, collaborative network analyses, cluster analyses and keyword bursts. A total of 2672 articles related to learner characteristics in blended learning were identified. The highest number of articles were published in the United States (400 papers), followed by China (396 papers) and Australia (247 papers). The most commonly occurring keywords were 'higher education', 'engagement', 'performance', 'satisfaction', and 'online learning'.