A hybrid systematic review and bibliometric analysis of character education in science and social studies

Authors

  • Fadilla Aisah Nurikhsani Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia Author
  • Wasino Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia Author
  • Eko Handoyo Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia Author
  • Sarwi Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33578/jpfkip.v15i2.518-539

Keywords:

bibliometric analysis, character education, character values, science and social studies, systematic literature review

Abstract

Character education is increasingly crucial amid growing social complexity. However, its integration within science and social studies remains fragmented. This study aims to map research trends, identify dominant character values, and examine key gaps in this field. A hybrid approach combining a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis was applied to 131 Scopus-indexed articles (2016–2025). The findings reveal a growing body of research with a fragmented yet interconnected intellectual structure. Five categories of character values were identified, with social–civic and moral–ethical values as the most dominant, followed by scientific, environmental, and social–emotional values. Six main pedagogical approaches were integrated learning, project-based learning, and citizenship-based approaches. Key gaps include the absence of an integrated conceptual framework, limited use of experimental and longitudinal designs, and insufficient development of context-sensitive character assessment tools. These findings highlight the need for more integrated models, rigorous research designs, and practical strategies to support effective character education in science and social studies.

References

Agazzi, E. (2019). Technological development and ethics. BIOETHICS UPDATE, 5(2), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioet.2019.07.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioet.2019.07.001

Al-Barakat, A., AlAli, R., Alotaibi, S., Alrashood, J., Abdullatif, A., & Zaher, A. (2025). Science Education as a Pathway to Sustainable Awareness: Teachers’ Perceptions on Fostering Understanding of Humans and the Environment: A Qualitative Study. Sustainability, 17(15), 7136. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157136 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157136

Aliyeva, A., Abdikalyk, A., Alimkhan, A., Agabekkyzy, B. R., & Nurziya, A. (2022). Teachers’ views on teaching modern Kazakh stories over national values. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 17(1), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i1.6702 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i1.6702

Allern, T.-H., Zheng, S., & Eriksson, S. A. (2022). Educational drama, traditional Chinese culture and current government policies. Applied Theatre Research, 10(2), 103–118. https://doi.org/10.1386/ATR_00065_1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1386/atr_00065_1

Asif, T., Guangming, O., Haider, M. A., Colomer, J., Kayani, S., & Ul-Amin, N. (2020). Moral education for sustainable development: Comparison of university teachers’ perceptions in China and Pakistan. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12073014 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12073014

Asrori, M., Asy’arie, B. F., Yusup Sofian, G., Syakir Hidayat, A. F., & Suja, A. (2025). Islamic educational and cultural values in Indonesian puppetry art: A systematic literature review. Cogent Education, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2490445 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2025.2490445

Atabey, N., & Topçu, M. S. (2025). Analyzing socioscientific issues-based instruction studies focusing on character and value development: A systematic review. Journal of Moral Education, 54(3), 485–503. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2024.2324781 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2024.2324781

Banks, J. A. (Ed.). (2004). Diversity and citizenship education: Global perspectives (1. ed). Jossey-Bass.

Banks, J. A. (2016). Cultural diversity and education: Foundations, curriculum, and teaching (Sixth edition). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

Barrera Verdugo, G., & Durán-Sandoval, D. (2024). Influence of moral reasoning and environmental concern on sustainable food consumption behaviors: A gender comparison among university students. Cleaner Waste Systems, 9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100164 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100164

Bauer, K., & Hermann, J. (2024). Technomoral Resilience as a Goal of Moral Education. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 27(1), 57–72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-022-10353-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10677-022-10353-1

Bernal-Guerrero, A., Gozalvez-Pérez, V., & Burguet Arfelis, M. (2019). Ethical reconstruction of citizenship: A proposal between the intimate self and the public sphere. Journal of Moral Education, 48(4), 483–498. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2018.1563880 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2018.1563880

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2009). Developing the theory of formative assessment. Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability, 21(1), 5–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11092-008-9068-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11092-008-9068-5

Chowkase, A. A. (2023). Social and emotional learning for the greater good: Expanding the circle of human concern. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 1, 100003. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2023.100003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2023.100003

Chu, S. K. W., Tse, S. K., & Chow, K. (2011). Using collaborative teaching and inquiry project-based learning to help primary school students develop information literacy and information skills. Library & Information Science Research, 33(2), 132–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2010.07.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2010.07.017

Cipriano, C., Ha, C., Wood, M., Sehgal, K., Ahmad, E., & McCarthy, M. F. (2024). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of universal school-based SEL programs in the United States: Considerations for marginalized students. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 3, 100029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2024.100029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2024.100029

Claudy, M. C., Parkinson, M., & Aquino, K. (2024). Why should innovators care about morality? Political ideology, moral foundations, and the acceptance of technological innovations. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 203, 123384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123384 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123384

Clement, S., & Bollinger, R. (2017). Accelerating Progress: A New Era of Research on Character Development. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46(6), 1240–1245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-017-0681-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-017-0681-9

Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791

Duckworth, A. L., & Yeager, D. S. (2015). Measurement Matters: Assessing Personal Qualities Other Than Cognitive Ability for Educational Purposes. Educational Researcher (Washington, D.C. : 1972), 44(4), 237–251. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X15584327 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X15584327

Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social and Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x

Dussault, M., & Thompson, R. B. (2024). Fundamental Themes in Social–Emotional Learning: A Theoretical Framework for Inclusivity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(4), 506. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040506 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040506

Elsayed, W. (2024). Building a better society: The Vital role of Family’s social values in creating a culture of giving in young Children’s minds. Heliyon, 10(7), e29208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29208 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29208

Erianjoni, n., Komaini, A., Ihsan, N., Yusra, A., Nelwatri, H., & Ockta, Y. (2025). Integration of social values from traditional Minangkabau sports into sociology teaching to foster students’ character development. Sport TK, 14. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.643061 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.643061

Fernández Espinosa, V., & López González, J. (2024). Virtues and values education in schools: A study in an international sample. Journal of Beliefs & Values, 45(1), 69–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/13617672.2022.2158018 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13617672.2022.2158018

González-Bailón, S., & Lelkes, Y. (2023). Do social media undermine social cohesion? A critical review. Social Issues and Policy Review, 17(1), 155–180. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12091 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12091

Hatiboğlu, B., Özateş Gelmez, Ö. S., & Öngen, Ç. (2019). Value conflict resolution strategies of social work students in Turkey. Journal of Social Work, 19(1), 142–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017318757174 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017318757174

Hodson, D. (2003). Time for action: Science education for an alternative future. International Journal of Science Education, 25(6), 645–670. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690305021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09500690305021

Hoge, J. D. (2002). Character Education, Citizenship Education, and the Social Studies. The Social Studies, 93(3), 103–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377990209599891 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00377990209599891

Ijatuyi, E. J., Lamm, A., Yessoufou, K., Suinyuy, T., & Patrick, H. O. (2025). Integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific knowledge: A systematic review. Environmental Science & Policy, 170, 104119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104119 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104119

Immordino-Yang, M. H., Darling-Hammond, L., & Krone, C. R. (2019). Nurturing Nature: How Brain Development Is Inherently Social and Emotional, and What This Means for Education. Educational Psychologist, 54(3), 185–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1633924 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1633924

Kendal, E. (2022). Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Emerging Technology (ELSIET) Symposium. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 19(3), 363–370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-022-10197-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11673-022-10197-5

Kennedy, K. J. (2012). Global Trends in Civic and Citizenship Education: What are the Lessons for Nation States? Education Sciences, 2(3), 121–135. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci2030121 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci2030121

Kohlberg, L. (1981). The Philosophy of Moral Development Moral Stages and the Idea of Justice /Lawrence Kohlberg. —. —. Harper & Row, C1981.

Lawson, G. M., McKenzie, M. E., Becker, K. D., Selby, L., & Hoover, S. A. (2019). The Core Components of Evidence-Based Social Emotional Learning Programs. Prevention Science : The Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research, 20(4), 457–467. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-018-0953-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-018-0953-y

Lickona, T. (2009). Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teach Respect and Responsibility. Random House Publishing Group.

Maihasni, M., Fachrina, F., Anggraini, N., & Ariesta, A. (2025). Social Cohesion and Social Media Threats to Families in the Digital Era. Society, 13(2), 796–813. https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v13i2.833 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33019/society.v13i2.833

Marzi, G., Balzano, M., Caputo, A., & Pellegrini, M. M. (2025). Guidelines for Bibliometric-Systematic Literature Reviews: 10 steps to combine analysis, synthesis and theory development. International Journal of Management Reviews, 27(1), 81–103. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12381

Mashami, R. A., Ahmadi, & Pahriah. (2025). Green chemistry and cultural wisdom: A pathway to improving scientific literacy among high school students. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101653 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101653

Mei-Ju, C., Chen-Hsin, Y., & Pin-Chen, H. (2014). The Beauty of Character Education on Preschool Children’s Parent-child Relationship. 3rd Cyprus International Conference on Educational Research, CY-ICER 2014, 30 January – 1 February 2014, Lefkosa, North Cyprus, 143, 527–533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.431 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.07.431

Mejía, A., & Garcés-Flórez, M. F. (2025). What do we mean by academic integrity? International Journal for Educational Integrity, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-024-00176-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-024-00176-1

Milara, I. S., & Orduña, M. C. (2024). Possibilities and challenges of STEAM pedagogies (Version 1). arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2408.15282

Mills, B., & Wilner, A. (2023). The science behind “values”: Applying moral foundations theory to strategic foresight. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 5(1), e145. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.145 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.145

Mondi, C. F., Giovanelli, A., & Reynolds, A. J. (2021). Fostering socio-emotional learning through early childhood intervention. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 15(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-021-00084-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-021-00084-8

Nabors, L., Poteet, A., Blankemeyer, C. Z., & Kamphaus, A. (2019). Adolescents as Coaches during Service-Learning: Teaching Children Social and Emotional Skills. Child and Youth Care Forum, 48(5), 719–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-019-09503-x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-019-09503-x

Nanda, S. B., Satapathy, D., Panda, G., & Pradhan, D. K. (2025). Socio-emotional learning and competencies in 21st-century education: A systematic review of teacher and student perspectives. Discover Education, 4(1), 338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00796-w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00796-w

Nucci, L. P., Krettenauer, T., & Thompson, W. C. (Eds.). (2024). Handbook of moral and character education (3rd edition). Routledge. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003374077

OECD. (2017). PISA 2015 Assessment and Analytical Framework: Science, Reading, Mathematic, Financial Literacy and Collaborative Problem Solving. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264281820-en DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264281820-en

Oldham, P., & McLoughlin, S. (2025). Character education empirical research: A thematic review and comparative content analysis. Journal of Moral Education, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2025.2480185 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2025.2480185

Osborne, J. (2010). Arguing to Learn in Science: The Role of Collaborative, Critical Discourse. Science, 328(5977), 463–466. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1183944 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1183944

Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Pangestu, K., Malagola, Y., Robbaniyah, I., & Rahajeng, D. (2024). The Influence of Project Based Learning on Learning Outcomes, Creativity and Student Motivation in Science Learning at Elementary Schools. Jurnal Prima Edukasia, 12(2), 194–203. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpe.v12i2.63208 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21831/jpe.v12i2.63208

Passas, I. (2024). Bibliometric Analysis: The Main Steps. Encyclopedia, 4(2), 1014–1025. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4020065 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4020065

Piaget, J. (2013). The Moral Judgment of the Child (0 ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315009681 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315009681

Reynolds, R., MacQueen, S., & Ferguson-Patrick, K. (2019). Educating for global citizenship: Australia as a case study. International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.18546/IJDEGL.11.1.07 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18546/IJDEGL.11.1.07

Rizal, M. S., Murtadho, N., Hanafi, Y., Ananda, R., & Mufarizuddin, M. (2025). The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in Enhancing Social Competence Among Elementary School Students. Journal of Integrated Elementary Education, 5(2), 269–285. https://doi.org/10.21580/jieed.v5i2.28047 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21580/jieed.v5i2.28047

Rodríguez, L. O. J., Hoyos, J. V. V., Ambrosio, O. M. R., Naranjo, W. A. M., Blanco, J. L. C., & Sánchez, O. F. P. (2024). Violence, Roots, and Transformation: An Interdisciplinary Perspective from Neurosciences, Neuroethics, and Judeo-Christian Theology. Theologica Xaveriana, 74, 1–31. https://doi.org/10.11144/JAVERIANA.TX74.VRTMI DOI: https://doi.org/10.11144/javeriana.tx74.vrtmi

Sadler, T. D. (Ed.). (2011). Socio-scientific Issues in the Classroom (Vol. 39). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1159-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1159-4

Sajadi, S. H. (2025). Introducing a method for integrating character education in science instruction. Journal of Moral Education, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2025.2543297 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2025.2543297

Sari, A. P., & Kumalasani, M. P. (2025). Integrating local culture into IPAS learning: A culturally responsive teaching approach in elementary school. Primary: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 14(6), 941–956. https://doi.org/10.33578/jpfkip.v14i6.941-956 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33578/jpfkip.v14i6.941-956

Shahbazi, M., & Bunker, D. (2024). Social media trust: Fighting misinformation in the time of crisis. International Journal of Information Management, 77, 102780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102780 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2024.102780

Swider-Cios, E., Vermeij, A., & Sitskoorn, M. M. (2023). Young children and screen-based media: The impact on cognitive and socioemotional development and the importance of parental mediation. Cognitive Development, 66, 101319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319

Tian, X., & Tang, Y. (2025). The Long-Term Impact of Moral Education on College Students’ Psychological Well-Being: A Longitudinal Study Revealing Multidimensional Synergistic Mechanisms. Behavioral Sciences, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020217 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15020217

Tillott, S., De Jong, G., & Hurley, D. (2024). Self-regulation through storytelling: A demonstration study detailing the educational book Game On for resilience building in early school children. Journal of Moral Education, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2024.2403992 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057240.2024.2403992

Tomassi, A., Falegnami, A., & Romano, E. (2025). Disinformation in the Digital Age: Climate Change, Media Dynamics, and Strategies for Resilience. Publications, 13(2), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13020024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13020024

Umar, U., Hamzah, M., Rahmatullah, R., & Ni’mah, S. (2024). Integrity Character Education in Indonesia: Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i4.5644 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v16i4.5644

Valiente, C., Swanson, J., DeLay, D., Fraser, A. M., & Parker, J. H. (2020). Emotion-related socialization in the classroom: Considering the roles of teachers, peers, and the classroom context. Developmental Psychology, 56(3), 578–594. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000863 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000863

Veugelers, W. (2021). How globalisation influences perspectives on citizenship education: From the social and political to the cultural and moral. Compare, 51(8), 1174–1189. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2020.1716307 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2020.1716307

Vonhm, M. E. (2025). Key elements of social cohesion in conflict-affected societies: A critical literature review. Cogent Social Sciences, 11(1), 2586176. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2025.2586176 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2025.2586176

Yildiz, M. S. (2023). Moral Ethics and Values Education in Social Studies Class. ESAR Journal, 4(1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13294940

Yuan, M., MacDonnell, M., Poliakova, P., Hatchimonji, D. R., Linsky, A. C. V., Selby, E. A., & Elias, M. J. (2025). Testing the Social-Emotional and Character Development (SECD) approach with student mental health and academic outcomes. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 5, 100105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2025.100105 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2025.100105

Zeidler, D. L., Sadler, T. D., Simmons, M. L., & Howes, E. V. (2005). Beyond STS: A research-based framework for socioscientific issues education. Science Education, 89(3), 357–377. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20048 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.20048

Zieher, A. K., Bailey, C. S., Cipriano, C., McNaboe, T., Smith, K., & Strambler, M. J. (2024). Considering the “How” of SEL: A framework for the pedagogies of social and emotional learning. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 3, 100030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2024.100030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2024.100030

Downloads

Published

2026-04-29

Issue

Section

Systematic review

How to Cite

Nurikhsani, F. A., Wasino, W., Handoyo, E., & Sarwi, S. (2026). A hybrid systematic review and bibliometric analysis of character education in science and social studies. Primary: Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 15(2), 518-539. https://doi.org/10.33578/jpfkip.v15i2.518-539