Biography
Bryan Dixon has been involved with Christian Education for many years starting when he was 15. In addition, he was a Science instructor/Department Head for 3 TDSB schools for 30+ years. Since retirement he has been a Faculty Advisor at Tyndale University which has taken him into over 200 learning communities. He is an Adjunct Professor at Tyndale teaching three undergraduate courses multiple times (Biology, History and Philosophy of Education and Teaching Practices). He loves to swim, read and hang out with his 7 amazing grandchildren.
Workshop
On the road to Emmaus with Vygotsky
What if one of the most influential educational psychologists of the twentieth century helps us understand how Jesus taught on the road to Emmaus?
In this engaging and practical workshop, we will explore the remarkable connections between Lev Vygotsky’s theories of learning and Christ’s approach to teaching and discipleship. Rather than simply giving answers, Jesus walked alongside His followers, asked thoughtful questions, built on what they already knew, and gradually led them to deeper understanding—a powerful example of what Vygotsky later described as learning within the Zone of Proximal Development.
Participants will explore:
*The key principles of Vygotsky’s learning theory, including the Zone of Proximal Development, scaffolding, social learning, and the role of language in shaping thought.
*Biblical examples where these principles appear, including the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus’ conversations with His disciples, Paul’s mentoring of Timothy, and other examples of learning through relationship.
*What modern neuroscience tells us about why our brains learn best in community, including the role of emotion, attention, memory, and the brain’s “social wiring.”
*Four practical case studies demonstrating how leaders, teachers, parents, pastors, and mentors can effectively scaffold another person’s spiritual growth and learning.
Throughout the workshop, participants will discover that effective discipleship is not simply transferring information—it is accompanying people on a journey. Just as Jesus walked beside two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too are called to meet people where they are and help them move toward greater understanding, confidence, and faith.
Whether you are a teacher, pastor, small-group leader, parent, or lifelong learner, this workshop will provide practical tools for helping others grow through intentional conversation, guided discovery, and Christ-centered relationships.
Date & Time
Date | Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time | TBA
Location | TBA
