Curriculum in natural sciences in Latin America: analysis of research production

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research project aimed at analyzing the academic discourses on curriculum in Latin American publications in Web of Science. For this purpose, the methodological route is based on bibliometrics and content analysis from the search, systematization, and analysis of the articles gathered in the documentary corpus. The consolidation of research networks between Latin American and foreign authors is evidenced. However, national work teams prevail, which show the low discussion of perspectives. On the other hand, thematic niches are found in which the research projects are grouped. These niches are: (1) conceptions of science, (2) didactics and teaching, (3) teacher training, (4) interculturality, and (5) scientific research. It is concluded that research in curriculum in natural sciences is a diverse field that unites not only different perspectives of science but also different perspectives of curriculum, since it is associated both to a practical space in the teaching of science and to a theoretical space that involves epistemological perspectives of science and structure of contents.