Ray Lau

Thesis title: Sink, Swim and Survive: Using Participatory Action Research to Support the Learning and Development of Teacher Developers in Swimming

Biography

Background

Ray Lau is a part-time PhD student (distance learning) in his fourth year at the University of Edinburgh, having transferred from Loughborough University.  His academic journey is marked by several Masters degrees, including a recent one from the University of Oxford (MSc in Learning and Teaching). Ray's research is focused on Teacher Development (Swimming Teachers) using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology.  

Ray is the Director of Education for Active Swim, based in Hertfordshire. He is responsible for ensuring compliance with the training and development of Swimming Teachers for the company. Ray, an accredited Swim England Tutor & STA Tutor, delivers swimming teacher training courses and is a Coach Developer.

Ray is experienced as a practising Inspector conducting quality assurance in primary and secondary school settings.  Ray's professional journey also includes a significant role as a secondary school principal. He supports aspiring and current senior leaders, including those in Headships.  

Qualifications

MA in Music Education (Trinity College of Music)

MBA in Educational Leadership and Management (Anglia Ruskin University)

MSc in Learning and Teaching (University of Oxford)

MTeach in Mentoring and Coaching (Bath Spa University)

PGCE in Secondary Music (Institute of Education, London) 

National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH - Department for Education, London) 

Responsibilities & affiliations

Swim England Tutor

School Inspector  

Member of US Centre for Coaching Excellence (USCCE) and the Institute of Swimming

Research summary

The research aims to investigate the problems that swimming teachers encounter when delivering swimming lessons; develop CPD opportunities that address participants' identified knowledge and skills deficits, as revealed by the difficulties they face in delivering lessons and evaluate the use of PAR in supporting swimming teachers in identifying opportunities for professional development.

Current research interests

Coach Development; Teacher Development; Swimming; Sport; Continuing Professional Development; Education

Past research interests

Music and Performing Arts; Leadership and Management; Change Management

Affiliated research centres

Project activity

Lead author of 'Developing Effective Practice for Swimming Teachers' (5th Edition).

Conference details

10-12 Jan 2025 - Two presentations (How can you ignite your potential and drive your practice to new heights through continuous professional development & Grow, nurture and develop the next generation of teachers and coaches from training to the workplace) at the World Aquatic Development Conference, Lund, Sweden.

11-12 Nov 2023 - Two presentations (PhD phase 1 research - capturing the voices of Teacher Developers and the swimming industry issues in England and University of Oxford research - findings of Developing Teacher Swimming Competences) Learn to Swim Conference – a journey towards discovery.  European Aquatics, Lativa.

2-6 Jun 2021 - Presentation (Development of Swimming Teacher Competencies) - ICCE Global Coach Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.   

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