Understanding the evolution of academic research trends is essential for advancing knowledge in specialized fields. This article employs bibliometric analysis to explore the trajectory of Natural Language Processing (NLP) research in education from 1984 to 2024. Our analysis highlights a notable surge in publications after 2020, yet reveals limited international collaboration among authors. The evolution of NLP research from multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary presents intriguing challenges due to emerging themes from diverse fields. In addition to providing new insights into NLP theory, this study serves as a crucial guide for future studies on Intelligent and Interactive Technologies in Education, particularly NLP in higher education. Furthermore, this research underscores the critical role of bibliometric analysis in uncovering and interpreting the complex landscape of NLP research trends and their practical implications for educational technology and decision-making.