Mapping trends and core topics in a decade of realistic mathematics education research: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) has emerged as a pivotal pedagogical approach in the 21st century, promoting contextual and meaningful mathematics learning. Despite its growing global relevance, research on RME remains scattered and lacks comprehensive synthesis. This study addresses that gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 427 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2015 and 2025, aiming to map publication trends, core research themes, and scholarly influence. The results reveal a notable surge in RME publications after 2020, largely driven by educational shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominant research themes include the application of contextual learning strategies in classrooms and the use of learning trajectories to guide instructional design. Indonesia leads in publication and citation volume, yet foundational theoretical contributions primarily stem from European and American scholars. Importantly, the field shows a transition from descriptive analyses toward evidence-based and affective-focused studies, emphasizing student motivation, mathematical communication, and learning experience. This study provides the first large-scale bibliometric mapping of RME, offering critical insights into its evolution over the past decade. It highlights the need for increased international collaboration and calls for the exploration of innovative theories and digital technologies to expand RME's global relevance and educational impact.