A Visualization Analysis of Problem-Based Learning in Colleges Using VOSviewer

In order to gain insight into the current research status and development trend of problem-based learning (PBL) in colleges and universities, this study employs the bibliometric method to conduct statistical and analytical studies based on the examination of journal papers and review papers within the Web of Science (WOS) database. The objective is to provide a reference point for research in related fields. The findings indicate a sustained expansion in PBL research output at universities, with the United States accounting for most documents in the field, while European research institutions such as Aalborg University and Maastricht University are at the forefront. Nevertheless, the density of collaborative networks between authors is relatively low, and cross-institutional and interdisciplinary collaboration still requires further strengthening. The majority of research results are published in academic journals such as Academic Medicine and the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. Presently, the focal point of PBL research in colleges and universities is undergoing a transition from a “single-discipline focus” to an “interdisciplinary integration.” This integration is profoundly intertwined with the nascent fields of modern educational technology and education for sustainable development, thereby offering a novel avenue for the advancement of pedagogical approaches and educational equity.