Curriculum research directions and methods of teaching mathematics published in the Saudi Digital Library and proposals to draw a research map in the specialization

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the prevailing trends in mathematics curriculum and instruction research published in the Saudi Digital Library. It also sought to provide recommendations for developing a strategic research roadmap in the field. To achieve these objectives, the researcher adopted an analytical survey methodology, analyzing a sample of 274 scholarly studies available in the Saudi Digital Library. A content analysis card was used as the primary research tool. The findings revealed a dominant focus on descriptive and experimental methodologies, with limited attention given to qualitative, mixed-methods, and historical approaches. Moreover, research efforts were largely directed toward learners and teachers, with minimal emphasis on faculty members and educational supervisors. The study also highlighted the widespread use of tests and questionnaires, while observation tools, interviews, and measurement scales were underutilized. Based on these findings, the researcher proposed a framework to guide future research efforts in the field and offered a set of practical recommendations.