The Journey to the Center of Problem-Solving and Problem-Posing: A Bibliometric Analysis (1980–2020)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends of research in problem-solving and problem-posing from 1980 to 2020 through bibliometric analysis. All articles in the Web of Science database including mathematical problem-solving or problem-posing were under the focus of the study. The bibliometric maps and clusters were created with the analysis of 749 articles by VOSviewer. The bibliometric analysis of the relevant articles on problem-solving and problem-posing revealed three clusters. These clusters were identified as (i) developing capacity, (ii) enriching instruction, and (iii) linking concepts. This synthesis provides evidence to demonstrate changes and exemplify practices in problem-solving and problem-posing studies. It further aims to explain their relationships with each other and other related concepts and to elaborate on the complicated nature of these skills. The current study on the trends of problem-solving and problem-posing research would reveal non-intensive areas in the relevant literature for further investigation and guide future studies. It would also prompt researchers, teachers, and policymakers to take necessary actions in mathematics education.