Research Hotspots and Development Trends of Theme Activities in Kindergartens since 21st Century—Based On Visual Co-word Analysis

Abstract

In order to accurately and objectively understand the composition and development trend of research hotspots on kindergarten theme activities in the past decade, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was used as the literature search source. The Co-word analysis software Bicomb2.0 and data statistical software SPSS27.0 were used to conduct time-series, research strength, high-frequency key, cluster analysis, and multidimensional scale analysis on 1674 literature on kindergarten theme activities from 2005 to 2023, and to draw knowledge graphs at different time periods. Research has found that the study of kindergarten theme activities generally revolves around five major areas: research on the selection of theme activity content, research on the connotation and characteristics of theme activities, research on the design of theme activities, research on the implementation and value of theme activities, and research on the theory and reform of theme activities. Strengthening the construction of theme activities in kindergartens is an effective breakthrough for achieving high-quality preschool education curriculum. Therefore, future research should focus on the combination of educational theory workers and educational practice workers to form a research community; Exploring diverse perspectives, deep learning and STEAM courses will become new academic growth points for themed activities; Innovative research paradigm, emphasizing the combination of theoretical research and empirical research.