Exploration of academic research trends of early childhood education in Taiwan through CATAR

Abstract

Young children are fundamental elements of societal progress. Consequently, cultivating adeptness in early childhood education and childcare talents assumes paramount significance, with educators within tertiary colleges and universities taking a pivotal role therein. Furthermore, research literacy is what educators develop through applying theoretical knowledge and is deemed an indispensable competency in effective instruction. This proficiency is manifested in formulating superlative curricula and augmenting scholastic prospects for students. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to analyze the global academic progression within the domain of early childhood education across Taiwanese tertiary institutions from 2012 to 2022. Employing the content analysis toolkit for academic research technology, the investigation discloses three focal points of research interest: children’s health, preschool curriculum design, and the professional competence of preschool educators. The inquiry discerns that personnel within Taiwan’s higher education sphere have evinced remarkable research scholarly proficiency in early childhood education. This not only bolsters Taiwan’s international scholarly standing but also emboldens nascent researchers to undertake more profound explorations within this academic arena, thereby amplifying Taiwan’s global academic influence in early childhood education.