Student Engagement Research Trends: A Bibliometric Performance Analysis
Jonatan Hasudungan Sihombing (a*), Isma Widiaty (b), Euis Kurniati (b)

a) Educational Psychology Study Program, Graduate School, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*jonatansihombing33[at]gmail.com
b) Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia

Abstract

Despite student engagement^s recognized importance in educational success, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has compared related terminologies to reveal conceptual evolution and geographical disparities. This study systematically analyzed seven key terms (student engagement, academic engagement, student involvement, learning engagement, student participation, student motivation, classroom engagement) using Scopus database (1939-2025) with strict inclusion criteria. Results reveal dramatic patterns: (1) explosive post-pandemic growth with 53.8% literature concentrated in 2024, (2) extreme Western dominance, United States producing 8,588 documents versus minimal Asian representation despite massive educational populations, and (3) Social Sciences monopoly raising concerns about interdisciplinary integration. Student participation emerged as foundational term (1939), while student engagement achieved highest impact (20,044 publications). Findings demonstrate urgent need for geographical diversification, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, and theoretical consolidation of fragmented research. This first multi-term comparative analysis provides evidence-based framework for developing culturally-sensitive, globally-representative engagement research advancing educational equity worldwide.

Keywords: student engagement, bibliometric analysis, educational equity, higher education, geographical disparities

Topic: Education for sustainable development