Service Learning and STEM careers in higher education: A bibliometric review

Abstract

This article analyzes the academic production on SL in STEM formation, through a bibliometric approach, using a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, considering the last decade (2013-2022). A total of 41 articles were collected from the Scopus data base, which were analyzed using the R programming language, mainly the bibliometrix package. A significant growth in the publication of articles (11.3% in the last year), a large dispersion of authors and a high number of journals (1.3 articles per journal) were detected. Using Callon's (1991) strategic diagram, basic, motor, niche, and growing or declining themes were detected. The basic studies document SL success cases in higher education institutions, while the motor studies address the challenges of SL curricular integration, as well as its relevance for teaching sustainable development. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in integrating SL with Project-Based Learning (PBL), but there is a need to increase the number of articles that address the integration of different Active Learning Methodologies in STEM training, and their effect (individual and joint) for the achievement of formative objectives. Recommendations are provided for policymakers and researchers.

Key words: Bibliometrics, Service Learning, STEM, Higher Education.