ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A SCAFFOLDING TOOL FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH SKILLS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS Akmaral А.

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Artificial Intelligence as a scaffolding tool for developing research skills in English language learning through a bibliometric analysis. The increasing integration of AI technologies into educational contexts has transformed pedagogical practices, particularly in supporting higher-order academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing, and research competence. However, existing research remains fragmented and lacks systematic analysis, especially at the intersection of AI, Scaffolding, and research skill development. To address this gap, the study employs a bibliometric approach using data retrieved from the Scopus database. A total of 38 peer-reviewed journal articles were analyzed following the PRISMA framework. The analysis focuses on publication trends, citation patterns, authorship distribution, geographical contributions, and keyword co-occurrence networks. The results reveal a rapid increase in research output after 2020, driven by the emergence of generative AI technologies. The field is characterized by a decentralized authorship structure and a globally distributed yet uneven research landscape. Furthermore, the findings identify three main thematic clusters: learner-centered approaches, technology-driven instructional systems, and generative AI applications in academic contexts. Despite the growing use of AI in supporting learning processes, the concept of scaffolding remains under-theorized and is not explicitly integrated into many studies. This indicates a need for more theory-driven and interdisciplinary research that connects AI technologies with pedagogical frameworks. The study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive mapping of the intellectual structure and development of this emerging field. It also offers practical and theoretical implications for the effective integration of AI as a scaffolding mechanism to enhance research skills in English language learning.