1, the generation time is different. The theory of substantive education originated in ancient Greece, formed in17th century and prevailed in18th to19th century. The theory of formal education originated in ancient Greece and Rome, which was suppressed in the Middle Ages, formed in the18th century and flourished in the19th century. 2. Different sources of ideas. The idea of substantive education theory comes from Herbart in Germany and Spencer in Britain. The main sources of formal education theory are Herlock and Pestalozzi.

The theory of substantive education is different from that of formal education.

According to the theory of formal education, the main task of teaching is to develop students' intelligence by offering Greek, Latin, logic, grammar and mathematics, while the practical significance of the subject content is irrelevant. Formal education is based on functional psychology. According to the theory of substantive education, the main task of teaching is to teach students lifelong useful knowledge. As for students' intelligence, they don't need special training and cultivation. Substantive education is based on associative psychology.