The Global Research Trends on the Early Literacy in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This study examines global trends in early literacy articles published in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Using a descriptive survey model and bibliometric analysis, 2879 articles from 1985 to 2023 were analyzed. According to the results, the number of articles and citations has increased significantly since 2005. The Journal of Early Childhood Literacy is the most prolific journal in this field. Most studies originate from developed countries, notably the USA, Canada, and Australia, with English being the predominant language. Key contributing institutions include the State University System of Florida and Florida State University. The author Justice, L.M., is a leading contributor with 42 articles. The most cited article, by Sénéchal & LeFevre, at 2002 has 1044 citations. The 'Education & Educational Research' category leads with 1751 articles, covering topics like education, psychology, and language and linguistics. Literacy, emergent literacy, phonological awareness, reading are the prominent keywords and recent trends include topics such as literacy environments and dual language learners. Researchers from the USA, Canada, and Australia are prominent in collaborative efforts. This study analyzes global trends and key contributors in early literacy research, providing valuable insights for researchers and decision-makers about future directions and research gaps in the field.