Mapping the Landscape of Physics Education Research on Local Wisdom: A Bibliometric Study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to map the research landscape of physics education that integrates local wisdom. It identifies key trends, author collaborations, and thematic clusters in publications, providing insights for future research and curriculum development. Method: A bibliometric analysis approach was employed, collecting articles from Google Scholar using the Publish or Perish software, with a focus on publications from 2018 to 2024. The PRISMA protocol was followed for systematic data screening, resulting in 150 relevant articles. The metadata was analyzed using VOSviewer to generate visualizations of keyword networks, author collaborations, and research clusters. Results: The analysis revealed that "local wisdom" is a central theme connected to ethnoscience, Islamic physics, digital learning tools, and specific cultural contexts, such as Karapan Sapi. Four major research clusters were identified: cultural-based learning, religious integration, digital innovation, and contextual learning. The study also highlights the dominance of Indonesian researchers in this field and the growing interest in integrating local knowledge into physics education. Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of physics education research on local wisdom, offering an in-depth overview of trends, gaps, and collaborative networks. It emphasizes the role of indigenous knowledge in enhancing science literacy, sustainability education, and 21st-century skills in physics learning.