The theory of formal education originated in ancient Greece and ran through the whole Middle Ages. It was formed in17th century, prevailed in18-19th century, and declined in the early 20th century. The main representatives are Locke and Pestalozzi. The main points are: the purpose of education is to develop students' various functions or abilities; Formal subjects (such as Greek, Latin, mathematics, logic, etc. ) or classical humanities courses have the most development value; Teaching principles and methods are based on the internal development order of students' psychological function. The theory of substantive education originated in ancient Greece and Rome, was suppressed in the Middle Ages, formed in18th century, flourished in19th century, and declined in the early 20th century, with Herbart and Spencer as the main representatives. The main points are as follows: the purpose of education is to teach students a wide range of life-related knowledge; Physical subjects (such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography, law) or physical courses closely related to human secular life are the most valuable; Teaching principles and methods should adapt to the laws of children's physical and mental development, and be pleasant and effective. Formal education theory and substantive education theory have their own philosophical, psychological and social foundations, so they have their own rationality and bias.