Evolution of High-Impact Journals in Education and Educational Research

The development of educational research has been accompanied by substantial growth in both publication output and the number of journals over recent decades. To better understand these changes, this study examines the evolution of journal inclusion and impact within the "Education & Educational Research" category of Clarivate's Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). The analysis reveals a distinct trajectory in the field's development, characterized not only by expansion but also by shifting patterns of scholarly influence. In particular, the findings highlight the increasing visibility and impact of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, especially in STEM education. These trends suggest a reorientation of high-impact educational scholarship toward areas aligned with technological innovation and global research priorities. The study concludes by discussing key implications and directions for future research.