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STEM vs non-STEM differences in university teaching and research during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • T. de Silva

    (University of Moratuwa)

  • Vathsala Wickramasinghe

    (University of Moratuwa)

Abstract

This research aims to explore differences between STEM and non-STEM disciplines in terms of the changes to teaching and research practices caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The paper analyses survey responses collected between July and November 2020 from 241 academics (excluding library staff) from the five oldest state universities in Sri Lanka. The analysis focuses on differences between STEM and non-STEM faculty using multiple linear regression to control for demographic characteristics such as age, gender and designation as well as university specific factors. The paper finds significant differences in the teaching practices of STEM and non-STEM academics, both in terms of preparation time for teaching as well as tools used for online delivery. Significant differences are also observed in research practices, with STEM faculty being significantly more likely to engage in research collaborations, obtain research funding, and be involved in more research projects. We do not find any evidence of the pandemic having differential impacts on research productivity between the broad disciplines. This research provides insights into differences between STEM and non-STEM disciplines in online teaching and research practices adopted since the onset of the pandemic, which are important for formulating appropriate policy responses to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on both students and staff. The contribution is particularly significant for developing countries where the creation of a skilled workforce is a key driver of the development process.

Suggested Citation

  • T. de Silva & Vathsala Wickramasinghe, 2022. "STEM vs non-STEM differences in university teaching and research during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Sri Lanka," Post-Print hal-05483933, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05483933
    DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-07-2021-02721
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05483933v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Van Noorden, 2015. "Interdisciplinary research by the numbers," Nature, Nature, vol. 525(7569), pages 306-307, September.
    2. Halil Dundar & Benoit Millot & Michelle Riboud & Mari Shojo & Harsha Aturupane & Sangeeta Goyal & Dhushyanth Raju & Harsha Aturupane, 2017. "Sri Lanka Education Sector Assessment," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 27042, April.
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