Book excerpt: This book develops a general theory of autonomous teaching by examining a mysterious educational idea: the teachable moment. By formulating an understanding of the teachable moment as predicated upon ‘educational energy,’ this book takes up John Dewey’s view of teaching to articulate a law-like, scientifically oriented pedagogical theory. By offering a testable hypothesis about effective teaching through an innovative reading of Dewey’s law, this book also provides insights into changes in school practice and schooling policy consonant with an understanding of teaching as a science.