Teaching factory and computational thinking in Asian vocational education: a bibliometric analysis of the scopus database 2015–2025
摘要
This study explores the integration of Computational Thinking (CT) into the Teaching Factory (TF) model within Asian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Using a combined bibliometric and content analysis, this research evaluated 1,695 Scopus-indexed documents (2015–2025) via VOSviewer and RStudio. Quantitative findings indicate a steady annual growth rate of 8.66%, with Vocational Education (Total Link Strength [TLS] = 188) and Computational Thinking (TLS = 187) emerging as central research themes. However, bibliographic coupling reveals an empirical gap: the TF model remains largely disconnected from CT research clusters in the current literature. To address this, the study proposes a three-pillar conceptual framework to guide their integration: the contextual pillar (utilizing TF as a practical learning environment), the methodological pillar (incorporating problem-oriented learning and robotics), and the technological pillar (employing augmented reality and AIoT for simulation). Theoretically, this framework positions CT as a foundational element that enhances the TF model. The findings provide a basis for academics and policymakers to design experimental studies that validate this integration, ultimately aiming to improve complex problem-solving capabilities among TVET graduates.