Prof. SIVAN, Atara



B.A., M. A.(Cum Laude) , PGCE (With Great Success), Bar Ilan University, Israel
Ph. D. , The University of Hong Kong
Head & Professor, Department of Education Studies
Academic & Professional Experience2016 – Present Head, Department of Education Studies
7/2017 – 1/2018 Acting Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences
2010–2016 Associate Dean (Learning & Teaching), Faculty of Social Sciences
2005 –Present Professor, Department of Education Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University
2009 –2015 Council member, Hong Kong Baptist University
2001 –2005 Associate Professor, Department of Education Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University
1994 –2001 Assistant Professor, Department of Education Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University
1992 – 1994 Lecturer, Faculty of Business, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
1990 – 1992 Research Fellow, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Educational Technology Unit, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
1990 – 1992 Honorary Lecturer, Department of Education, The University of Hong Kong
1988 – 1991 Lecturer, Department of Extra Mural studies, The University of Hong Kong
1981 – 1987 Teaching and Research Assistant, School of Education, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
Research InterestsLeisure Education
Youth Development & Leisure
Classroom Environment
Learning Communities
Teacher Education
Consultancy/Professional/Community ServicesEditor-in- Chief, World Leisure Journal
President & Senior Fellow, World Leisure Academy
Board member, World Leisure Organization
Founder & Chairperson, World Leisure Organization: Hong Kong Chapter
Founder & Chairperson, The EMDR Association of Hong Kong
Member, International AdvisoryBoard, Society & Leisure Journal
Executive Committee Member, Education Commission of the World Leisure Organization
Executive Committee Member, Facet Theory Association
Executive Committee Member, Hong Kong Community Drug Advisory Council
Executive Committee Member, TREATS, Hong Kong
Board member, Carmel school of Hong Kong
Executive Committee Member, Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australia (Hong Kong Branch). (2001-2006)
Board Member, International Sociological Society – Research Committee on the Sociology of Leisure (ISA RC 13). (1994-2000)
Honours & AwardsKnowledge Transfer Award (2015)
George Torkildsen Literary Award (2014)
President, World Leisure Academy (2010)
Senior Fellow and Founding Member, World Leisure Academy (2010)
Distinguished Alumnus, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong (2009)
Hillel Ruskin Memorial Scholar Lecture Award (2008)
International Award for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology (2002)
Selected Best Paper of the 13th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning (2002)
Honorary Member (for life) of the Tourism Sport International Council (1994)
Recent Research, Teaching,Strategic Development and Quality Education Funds(Principal Investigator)TREATS Hong Kong Grant:” Research on impacts of TREATS’ Sports for all programmes on social inclusion” (2020/21)
Quality Education Fund: “Promoting positive youth development though school-university-elderly learning community” (2016)https://qefyouth.hkbu.edu.hk/
General Research Fund: “Life beyond study: A phenomenology of adolescents’ self-exploration in leisure context” (2015).
Teaching Development Grant(CoP): “Development of Teaching Portfolio Framework through a Multidisciplinary Community of Practice” (2014)
Faculty Research Grant: “A Qualitative longitudinal study of leisure of Hong Kong Youngsters” (2013)
Strategic Development Fund: “Building learning community through a transdisciplinary multi-layered approach” (2012)https://learningcommunity.hkbu.edu.hk/
Teaching Development Grant: “Classroom society: Developing and enhancing student-teachers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes towards their classrooms socializing practices” (2010)
Faculty Research Grant: “A longitudinal study on leisure of Hong Kong students” (2009)
Teaching Development Grant: “Enhancing student-teachers’ learning and reflection on their interpersonal classroom behaviour” (2008)
Faculty Research Grant: Interpersonal teacher behaviour and student learning outcomes in Hong Kong classrooms: A mixed methods study” (2007)
Teaching Development Grant: Teachers as socialising agents: Socialisation messages in the classroom” (2006)
Faculty Research Grant: “Leisure participation, leisure satisfaction and leisure attitude of Hong Kong students: A re-examination of trends” (2003)
Teaching Development Grant:“Enhancing student-teachers’ learning and teaching through guided reflection” (2002)
Selected PublicationsBooksSivan, A., Chaudhuri, T., Cheung, S. Y. & Wong E., Kwong, T. & Law, L., (2018),Studies on Teaching and Learning(Vol. 4). Hong Kong: Pearson Education Asia Limited.
Henderson, K., & Sivan, A. (2017).Leisure from International Voices.Urbana IL: Sagamore-Venture Publishing
Sivan, A., Tam, V., Chan, D., Leung, A., Mah, D., Chauduri, T., Kim, L., Ladds, C., Chow, B. C., Wong, O., Hung, S & Shroff, R. (2016).Teaching Portfolio Guidance Notes.Hong Kong:Hong Kong Baptist University.
Sivan, A., Chan, D. W. K., & Wong, E. Y. W. (2014).Studies on Teaching and Learning(Vol. 3), Hong Kong: Pearson Education Asia Limited.
Sivan, A. & Stebbins, R. (Eds.) (2014).Leisure Education: A Cross-National View.Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK: Routledge.
Sivan, A. (Ed.). (2010).Studies on Teaching and Learning (Vol. 2).Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University: Quality Assurance Committee.
Sivan, A. (Ed.). (2009).Studies on Teaching and Learning.Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University: Quality Assurance Committee.
Ruskin, H., & Sivan, A. (2002).Leisure Education in School Systems.Jerusalem: Magness Press, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Stimpson, P., Lopez-Real, F., Bunton, D., Chan, D., Sivan, A., & Williams, M. (2000).Better Supervision Better Teaching- A Handbook for Teaching Practice Supervisors. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
Sivan, A., & Ruskin, H. (Eds.). (2000). Leisure Education, Community Development and Populations with Special Needs. Oxford & New York: CABI Publishing.
Sivan, A., Chi, I., Cheung Y., Ho, L., Tsao, A., & Wang, K (Eds.) (1997). Proceedings of the International Conference on Drug Education in Schools. Hong Kong: The Education Department.
Ruskin, H., & Sivan, A. (Eds.). (1995).Leisure Education towards the 21st Century. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
Book ChaptersSivanA., & Siu, P. K. G. (2020). Extended Education for Academic Performance, Whole Person Development and Self-fulfilment: The case of Hong Kong. In H. B. Sang, J. L., Mahoney, S. Maschke & L. Strecher (Eds.) International Development in Research on Extended Education (pp.211-222). Toronto: Verlag Barbara Budrich Opladen.
Sivan, A.,& Siu, G. (2017). Leisure in Asia’s world city. In K. Henderson & A. Sivan (Eds.),Leisure from International Voices (pp. 67-76).Urbana IL: Sagamore-Venture Publishing.
Sivan, A. (2016). Leisure education in schools: Challenges, choices and consequences.In M. Naidoo (Ed.),Leisure: Challenges, choices and consequences(pp. 205-208). Durban: Leisure and Recreation Association of SA.
Sivan, A. (2014). Leisure education: The Israeli model. In M. Leitner & S. Leitner (Eds.), Israeli life and leisure in the 21st century (pp. 17-28). Urbana, IL: Sagamore.
Sivan, A., & Chan, D. W. K. (2014). Enhancing student-teachers’ learning and reflection on their interpersonal classroom behaviour.In A. Sivan, D. W. K. Chan & E. Y. W. Wong (Eds.),Studies on teaching & learning(Vol. 3), (pp. 143-152). Hong Kong: Pearson Education Asia Limited.
Sivan, A., & Chan, D. W. K. (2014). Classroom society: Developing and enhancing student-teachers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes towards their classroom socializing practices.In A. Sivan, D. W. K. Chan & E. Y. W. Wong (Eds.),Studies on teaching & learning(Vol. 3), (pp. 153-161). Hong Kong: Pearson Education Asia Limited.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K. D. (2013). Teacher-student Relationships and Students’ Learning Outcomes. In S. Phillipson, K. Ku & S. Phillipson (Eds.),Constructing Educational Achievement: A sociocultural perspective. London: Routledge.
Sivan, A. (2011). Facets of satisfaction with leisure activities among school students. In:Y. Fisher& I. A. Friedman (Eds.),New horizons for Facet Theory: Interdisciplinary Collaboration Searching for Structure in Content Spaces and Measurement(pp. 187-192). Israel: FTA Publication.
Sivan, A. & Chan, W. K., (2010). Values in education: A comparison of students’ and teachers’ views. In S. T. Menon (Ed.),Competing Values in an Uncertain Environment: Managing the Paradox(pp. 640-648). International Society for the Study of Work & Organizational Values Department of Management and Marketing, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, USA.
Sivan, A. & Cohen, A. (2009). Smallest space analysis of leisure education. In A. Cohen (Ed).Facet Theory and Scaling in Search of Structure in Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.(153-160). Israel: Facet Theory Association Press.
Sivan, A. & Lam, S. Y., (2009). Enhancing student-teachers’ learning and teaching through guided reflection. In A. Sivan (Ed.),Studies on Teaching and Learning(pp. 17-28). Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University, Quality Assurance Committee.
Sivan, A. & Chan, W. K., (2009). An evaluation of the on-site peer observation process to enhance the quality of teaching and learning of the student teachers of the postgraduate diploma in education course. In A. Sivan (Ed.),Studies on Teaching and Learning(pp. 37-46). Hong Kong: Hong Kong Baptist University, Quality Assurance Committee.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K., (2008). Imparting values as part of socialization process. In B. Galperin (Ed.),Work Values and Social Responsibilities in a Changing World: From being Good to Doing Good(pp. 81-90). Shrevepor, LA: International Society for the Study of Work & Organizational Values.
Sivan, A. (2007). Educating for leisure. In E. Cohen-Gewerc & R. A. Stebbins (Eds.),The Pivotal Role of Leisure Education: Finding Personal Fulfillment in This Century(pp. 51-62). Pennsylvania: Venture Publishing, Inc.
Sivan, A. (2007). Leisure education and socialization. In S. Romi & M. Shmida (Eds.),Nonformal Education in a Changing Reality(pp. 83-95). Jerusalem: The Hebrew University Magness Press.
Sivan, A. (2007). Leisure education development in China. In H. M. Donohoe & W. J. Li (Eds.),Leisure in Context: Implications for Human Development and Well-being(pp.123-130). Hangzhou: Zhejiang University Press.
International Refereed Journal ArticlesSivan, A., Chan, D.W.K.(2021).A qualitative study of secondary-school students’ perceptions of interpersonal teacher behaviour in Hong Kong.Learning EnvironmentsResearch.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-021-09372-z

Sivan, A. & Veal, A. J. (2021). Leisure and human rights: theWorld Leisure OrganizationCharterfor Leisure: past, present and
future.World Leisure Journal, 63(2), 133-140.https://doi.org/10.1080/16078055.2021.1918755

Sivan, A.& Siu, P.K. (2021). A longitudinal study on leisure of Hong Kongadolescents. Leisure Studies, 40(3), 306-320.https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2020.1858329
Sivan, A.(2020). Leisure in times of COVID-19: reflection on Hong Kong and Israel. WorldLeisure Journal, 62(4), 322-324.https://doi.org/10.1080/16078055.2020.1825268
Sivan, A. (2020). Reflection on leisure during COVID-19. World Leisure Journal, 62(4), 296-299.
https://doi.org/10.1080/16078055.2020.1825260
Sivan,A., Tam, V. C., & Siu, G. (2020). Adolescents’ self-exploration in leisureexperience. Leisure, 44(4), 441-468, DOI: 10.1080/14927713.2020.1815561

Sivan, A., Tam, V., Siu, G., & Stebbins, R. (2019). Adolescents’ choice and pursuit of their most important and interesting leisure activities.Leisure Studies, 38(1), 98-113.https://doi.org/10.1080/02614367.2018.1539867
Sivan, A., & Siu, P. K. G. (2017). Extended education for academic performance, whole person development and self-fulfilment: The case of Hong Kong. International Journal for Research on Extended Education, 5 (2), 178-187. DOI:10.3224/ijree.v5i2.05
Sivan, A., Cohen, A., Chan, D. W. K,& Kwan, Y. W. (2017).The circumplex model of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction among Hong Kong students: A multidimensional scaling solution.Learning Environments Research,20(2), 189-198.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-017-9230-4
Sivan, A., Tam, V. C., Hu, A., Chan, D. W. K., Leung, A. Y. L., Chaudhuri, T., Chow, BC., Hung, S. S. L., Kim, L. E., Mah, D. N. Y., Shroff, R., & Wong, O. M. H. (2016). Designing and implementing a two-level community of practice project to develop a teaching portfolio framework.Learning Communities Journal 8(2), 51-69.
Sivan, A. (2015). Inclusive multi-faceted network: World Leisure Organization – Hong Kong Chapter.Brazilian Journal of Leisure Studies 2(2), 15-25.
Sivan, A. (2014). Leisure education and the role of schools: Planning and implementation in times of change.African Journal for Physical, HealthEducation, Recreation and Dance, 20(4:2), 1524-1536.
Sivan, A., & Chan,D. W. K., (2014). Enhancing Teachers’ Understanding of their Interpersonal Behaviour in the Classroom: An Action Learning Project.Journal of the International Society for Teacher Education 18(1), 7-15.
Sivan, A., Chan, D. W. K. & Kwan, Y. W., (2014) Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the questionnaire on teacher interaction (C-QTI) in Hong Kong,Psychological Reports: Measures & Statistics, 111(3), 823-842.
Sivan, A., & Chan, D. (2013) Teacher interpersonal behaviour and secondary students’ cognitive, affective and moral outcomes in Hong Kong.Learning Environments Research16(1), 23-36.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K. D. (2012). Leisure education in schools from students’ perspectives: the case of Hong Kong.World Leisure Journal,54(1), 26-37.
Siu, G. P., & Sivan, A. (2011). Mentoring experiences of psychiatric nurses: from acquaintance to affirmation.Nurse Education Today, 31(8), 797-802.
Sivan, A. & Stebbins, R. (2011). Leisure education:defnition, aims, advocacy and practices – are we talking about the same thing(s)? Wolrd Leisure Journal, 53(1), 27-41.
Sivan, A. (2010). Is leisure studies ethnocntric? Integrating leisure studies worldwode: A view from Hong Kong.World Leisure Journal, 52(3), 177-180.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K. D. (2009). The roles of supervised teaching practice and peer observation in teacher education in Hong Kong: Implications for partnership.Teacher Development, 13(3), 251-266.
Sivan, A. (2008). Leisure education in educational settings: From instruction to inspiration,Society and Leisure, 31(1), 49-68.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K. D. (2008). Values education in Hong Kong classrooms.Learning and Teaching, 1(2), 75-85.
Sivan, A., Fung, A. & Fung, L. (2008). Motivation and leisure satisfaction of mass media use among Hong Kong adolescents,World Leisure Journal, 50(1), 46-57.
Lam, S. Y. & Sivan, A. (2006). Enhancing student-teachers’ learning and teaching through guided reflection.Journal of the International Society for Teacher Education, 10(1), 5-10.
Sivan, A., & Chan, W. K. D. (2003). Supervised teaching practice as a partnership process: Novice and experienced student-teachers’ perceptions.Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 11(2), 183-193.
Sivan, A. (2003). Has leisure got anything to do with learning? An exploratory study of the lifestyles of young people in Hong Kong universities.Journal of Leisure Studies, 22(2), 129-146.
Sivan, A., Fung, A., Fung, L., & Ruskin, H. (2002). Determinants of participation disposition in leisure among Hong Kong school students,Society and Leisure, 25(1), 155-170.
Sivan, A. (2002). Leisure participation of Hong Kong elderly: Policy and practice.World Leisure, 44(1), 11-18.
Sivan, A. (2000). Global influence and local uniqueness: the case of adolescent leisure in Hong Kong,World Leisure, 42(4), 24-32.
Conference Papers – Keynote Addresses & Invited PapersSivan, A. (2019, April).Leisure Education for well-being and growth: Principles and applications.Invited speaker to the Second International Congress on recreation and sport management: “Recreation: Manage well, Live Well”. Bodrum, Turkey.
Sivan, A. (2018, October).Enhancing Teaching and Learning in Service-Learning through Action Research.Invited workshop presented at the Cross-institutional Capacity Building Project for Service-Learning. Hong Kong Baptist University. Hong Kong.
Sivan, A. (2018, March).Facilitating whole person education though students’ engagement in learning community.Keynote address at the First Joint Symposium on Education by Hong Kong Baptist University and Hiroshima University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
Sivan, A. (2017, August). Leisure Education: Aims, Channels and Strategies for Balanced Life. Invited paper to the International Conference2017 Chulalongkorn Asian Heritage Forum: “Culture of Leisure – Balance of Life”, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sivan, A. (2017, July).Extended Education for Academic Performance, Whole Person Development and Self-fulfilment: The case of Hong Kong. Invited paper to the International Forum on after School -Global Trend in After-School Programs and Policy Implication, Seoul, South Korea.
Sivan, A. (2016, June).Leisure Education in Schools: Challenges, Choices andConsequences.Invited paper to the LARASA World Leisure Congress. Durban, South Africa
Sivan, A. (2015, November).Leisure Education in Schools: Needs and Implementation.Keynote address at the China Leisure and Tourism Research Conference heldby the National Academy of Economic Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China-North America Leisure Studies Network, Tianjin, China.
Sivan, A. (204, July).EMDR: Practical applications in school. Invited seminar presented at theSecond International Conference on School Guidance in the Chinese Communities, Shanghai, China.
Sivan, A. (2013, November).Leisure Participation, Satisfaction and Education of Hong Kong Youth: Implications for Healthy Development. Invited Paper presented at the 6th Asian Pacific Conference on Exercise & Sports Science (APCESS 2013). Taipei, Taiwan
Sivan, A. (2013, September). Leisure Education and the Role of Schools: Planning and Implementation in Times of Change.Invited Paper presented at the Leisure and Recreation Association of South Africa (LARASA) conference, Durban, South Africa.
Sivan, A. (2012, December).Leisure and wellnessinterplay: Implications for human development and education. Invited Paper presented at the 12th International Sport Sciences Congress, Denizli, Turkey.
Sivan, A., Dendle, E., Marafa, L., & Wong Leung, R. (2012, September).Transforming Leisure in Asia’sWorldCity: The Case ofHong Kong.Invited paper presented at the12thWorld Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy,
Sivan, A. (2012, September).What are the range of factors that have impeded progress and how could WL Commission work advance the benefits of leisure education? Invited paper presented in the WorldLeisure Organization – Commission on Education session: “Leisure Education: Challenges andOpportunities in a Global World” at the 12thWorld Leisure Congress, Rimini, Italy.
Sivan, A. & Chan, W. K. D. (2011, December).Teacher-student Relationships and Students’ Learning Outcomes. Invited paper presented at the colloquium:“Constructing School Achievement: A Sociocultural Perspective”. Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Sivan, A. (2010, August).Leisure Education in the Schools.Invited paper presented at the roundtable “Enhancing Quality of Life through Leisure Education” of the World Leisure Organization Education Commission at the 11th World Leisure Congress, held in ChunCheon, Korea.
Sivan, A. (August, 2009).Leisure Development and Dducation for Well-being: Issues, Implications and Strategies.Invited paper presented at the 5th Chucheon International Leisure Symposium. Chuncheon, Korea.
Sivan, A. (October, 2009).Leisure Education in Educational Settings: From Instruction to Inspiration.Invited paper presented as the recipient of Hillel Ruskin Memorial Lecture Award in the 10th World Leisure Congress, Canada, Quebec.
Sivan, A. (October, 2006).Leisure Education Development in China. Invited paper presented in the 9th World Leisure Congress, China, Hangzhou.
Sivan, A. (2004, March).What Roles for Serious and Casual Leisure in Leisure Education?Keynote address presented at the LEDU- International Conference on Leisure, Tourism & Sport- Education, Integration, Innovation, German Sport University Cologne, Germany.
Sivan, A. (June, 2004).Empowerment of Students through Peer Assessment: Why and How?Invited paper presented at the Seminar: “If Assessment is the Answer: What is the Question?” Hong Kong; Hong Kong Institute of Higher Education.
Sivan, A. (October, 2002).Wellness and Leisure of Youth: The Hong Kong Case.Invited paper presented at the International Sports Science Conference: Health Promotion, Wellness and Leisure: Major Components of Quality of Life, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University.
Sivan, A. (June, 2002).Leisure and Wellness: An interplay. Keynote address at the 4rd Israeli Leisure Conference: Leisure in times of crisis and uncertainty, Jerusalem, Israel, Zippori Cente