A bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed research on Toulmin’s argumentation model in mathematics education
Nguyen Huynh Trong Duc 1, Triet VIet Minh Le 1 * , Nguyen Phu Loc 1
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1 Can Tho University, Vietnam
* Corresponding Author

Abstract

Toulmin’s argumentation pattern (TAP) provides a conceptual framework for structuring and analysing the development of arguments and has been increasingly adopted in mathematics education research. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the development of TAP-related research in mathematics education and to identify prominent authors, publication venues, and thematic trends within the field. Bibliographic data were retrieved from the Scopus database using search terms related to Toulmin, mathematics, and education, covering publications up to the end of 2025. Following the screening process, 113 publications were included and analysed using the R environment in conjunction with VOSviewer. The findings indicate a marked increase in scholarly interest in TAP within mathematics education in recent years. Mejía-Ramos, J. P. and Conner, A. emerged as prominent contributors, while Educational Studies in Mathematics was among the publication venues with a substantial presence in the analysed dataset. Thematic analysis suggests that the scope of TAP-related research has gradually broadened from a primary focus on the structure of mathematical argumentation to a wider range of contexts, including collective argumentation, classroom argumentation practices, teacher education, and technology-supported learning environments. In particular, recent studies indicate growing interest in integrating TAP with interactive pedagogical approaches and digital technologies to support the construction and development of mathematical argumentation.

Keywords

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