Emerging Research Trends in Experiential Learning in Higher Education: A Scopus Database Bibliometric Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59175/pijed.v4i2.716Keywords:
Authentic assessment, educational policy, Experiential learning, Immersive Learning Technologies, Student-Centered LearningAbstract
This study aims to map global research developments on experiential learning (EL) in higher education by employing a bibliometric approach. Experiential learning has gained increasing attention as a transformative pedagogy that connects theoretical understanding with real-world application. Research data were collected from the Scopus database for the years 2023–2025 and analyzed using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to examine publication trends, citation patterns, author productivity, and thematic clusters. The findings reveal a sharp and consistent increase in EL-related publications worldwide, with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom emerging as the most productive countries, while Southeast Asia—particularly Indonesia—shows relatively limited contributions. The analysis also identifies several emerging thematic clusters, including the integration of EL with immersive technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse, as well as applications in service learning, entrepreneurship education, and authentic assessment. The novelty of this study lies in its focused examination of the 2023–2025 publication period, capturing the latest global trends shaped by digital transformation and sustainability agendas. Practically, the results highlight the need for stronger institutional and policy support to systematically embed EL within higher education curricula. Overall, this study contributes to strengthening evidence-based, student-centered learning and informs future research opportunities in experiential education.
References
Antara, P. A., Ujianti, P. R., & Patissera, A. La. (2019). The Influence of the Contextual Learning Model on Children’s Initial Reading Ability. Mimbar Ilmu, 24(2), 221. https://doi.org/10.23887/mi.v24i2.21263
Fang, J., & O’Toole, J. (2023). Embedding sustainable development goals (SDGs) in an undergraduate business capstone subject using an experiential learning approach: A qualitative analysis. International Journal of Management Education, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2022.100749
Febriansah, A. T., Syaifuddin, A., & Soepriyanto, Y. (2024). Gamification Developments in Education. Scholaria : Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Kebudayaan, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.24246/j.js.2024.v14.i2.p177-186
Hoiriya, H., Sumiharsono, M. R., & Muljono, M. (2021). The Influence Of Contextual Learning Model On Cognitive And Motoric Physical Development Of Children In PGRI Bhakti Lestari Kindergarten Jember. Journal of Education Technology and Inovation, 4(2), 41–50. https://doi.org/https://jurnal.unipar.ac.id/index.php/jeti/article/view/600
Hwang, G.-J., Tu, Y.-F., & Chu, H.-C. (2023). Conceptions of the metaverse in higher education: A draw-a-picture analysis and surveys to investigate the perceptions of students with different motivation levels. Computers and Education, 203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104868
Intisari. (2024). The Influence of the Contextual Teaching and Learning Approach on Developing Language Skills in Early Childhood (Ages 5-6). Thufuli Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini, 6(1), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.33474/thufuli.v6i1.21648
Isnawati, I., & Jalinus, N. (2020). Need analysis for the development of Kolb and 4C integration learning model-basel lesson plan in Pedagogy Course. Jurnal Pendidikan Teknologi Kejuruan, 3(1), 20–24. https://doi.org/10.24036/jptk.v3i1.3523
Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. (2005). Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning and Education, 4(2), 193–212. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2005.17268566
LaVan, H., & Carley, C. (1984). Experiential Learning. Simulation & Games, 15(2), 235–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/0037550084152005
Lebert, A., & Vilarroya, Ó. (2024). The links between experiential learning and 4E cognition. In Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Vol. 1541, Issue 1, pp. 37–52). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.15238
Lestari, S., Ismail, F., & Astuti, M. (2025). Building Islamic Character Thru Innovative PAI Learning: Contextual Implementation, Research-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning, and Quantum Teaching. Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Pendidikan Indonesia, 4(1), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.31004/jpion.v4i1.327
Ma’arif, S., Ibda, H., Ahmadi, F., Qosim, N., & Muanayah, N. A. (2023). Islamic moderation in education and the phenomenon of cyberterrorism : a systematic literature review. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 31(3), 1523–1533. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v31.i3.pp1523-1533
Mandeville, L. (2001). Apprendre par l’expérience: In Presses de l’Université du Québec eBooks (pp. 211–234). https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv18phdgn.12
Maritz, A., Li, A., Utami, W., & Sumaji, Y. M. P. (2022). The emergence of entrepreneurship education programs in Indonesian higher education institutions. Entrepreneurship Education, 5(3), 289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41959-022-00080-0
Maulidina, U. R., Mudiono, A., Putra, Y. D., & Arifin, I. (2025). The Role of the Campus Environment in Enhancing Student Learning Motivation: A Literature Study. Didaktika: Jurnal Kependidikan, 14(3), 5627–5636. https://doi.org/10.58230/27454312.2293
Mertayasa, I. K., Mitro, M., Sumarni, N., & Indraningsih, G. . K. A. (2024). A Literature Review: The Impact of Experiential Learning on Developing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills in Indonesia. International Journal of Current Educational Studies, 3(1). https://www.ijces.net/index.php/ijces/article/view/104/43
Pamungkas, S. F., Widiastuti, I., & Suharno, S. (2021). Vocational Student’s Attitude and Response Towards Experiential Learning in Mechanical Engineering. Open Engineering, 11(1), 254–268. https://doi.org/10.1515/eng-2021-0027
Putri, H. R. (2023). Applying the Contextual Approach to Science Learning for Early Childhood (AUD) Theme: Animals. BIO-CONS Jurnal Biologi Dan Konservasi, 5(1), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.31537/biocons.v5i1.1091
Rahmi, W. (2024). Analytical Study of Experiential Learning: Experiential Learning Theory in Learning Activities. Edukasia: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 5(2), 115–126. https://doi.org/10.62775/edukasia.v5i2.1113
Saggar, M., McArdle, J., de Koning, A., & Choudhary, A. (2023). Designing Effective Experiential Curriculum: The Experiential Learning Map. Imagining SoTL, 3(2), 40–63. https://doi.org/10.29173/isotl693
Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Arias-Portela, C. Y., González de la Cruz, J. R., & Vilalta-Perdomo, E. (2024). Experiential Learning for Circular Operations Management in Higher Education. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020798
Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Palma-Mendoza, J. A., & Vilalta-Perdomo, E. (2024). Integrating Circular Supply Chains into Experiential Learning: Enhancing Learning Experiences in Higher Education. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310789
Salinas-Navarro, D. E., Vilalta-Perdomo, E., Michel-Villarreal, R., & Montesinos, L. (2024). Using Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools to Explain and Enhance Experiential Learning for Authentic Assessment. Education Sciences, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14010083
Shore, A., & Dinning, T. (2023). Developing student’s skills and work readiness: an experiential learning framework. Journal of Work-Applied Management, 15(2), 188–199. https://doi.org/10.1108/jwam-02-2023-0016
Stock, K., Cola, P. A., & Kolb, D. (2024). Educational Experiences Become Experiential When the Learner is Fully Present. Experiential Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.46787/elthe.v7i1.3937
Syafriani, D., Suyanti, R. D., & Sutiani, A. (2025). Systematic Literature Review: The Effect of Experiential Learning (EL) on Learning Outcomes. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(7), 48–56. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i7.11274
Ulfah, Y. F. (2022). Implementation Strategy for Virtual School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS) Activities at Integrated Islamic Elementary Schools. Jurnal Isema Islamic Educational Management, 7(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.15575/isema.v7i1.14032
Utomo, D. B., Suhariadi, F., Purwono, R., & Suginantra, P. A. (2024). The Impact of the Experiential Learning Model on Increasing Digital Skills for Employees. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.55908/sdgs.v12i1.966
Zainuri, A., & Huda, M. (2023). Empowering Cooperative Teamwork for Community Service Sustainability: Insights from Service Learning. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054551
Zannah, R., Satriana, M., & Rozie, F. (2024). The influence of the contextual learning model on early reading ability in 5-6 year old children. Jurnal Warna Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini, 9(2), 102–115. https://doi.org/10.24903/jw.v9i2.1683
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 I Komang Mertayasa, Abdullah Pandang, Arismunandar Arismunandar, Ansar Ansar
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
