In the long history of educational thought, there have been three far-reaching educational teleology: social teleology, individual teleology and educational teleology. These three viewpoints have their own characteristics and advantages. They provide valuable enlightenment and thinking for the development of education in different historical periods and cultural backgrounds.

Teleology of Social-oriented Education

The teleology of social-oriented education firmly believes that education serves social development, and social needs become the highest criterion of education. Herbart, Durkheim, Baglai, Kirstenstein, Nordurp and other outstanding figures are staunch supporters of this idea.

Teleology of personalized education

The teleology of individual-oriented education emphasizes that the core of education lies in educating people, that is, helping individuals become real people. Therefore, education should meet the needs of human growth. Rousseau, the outstanding representative of this school, described the true meaning of education for us.

Aimless education theory

The teleology of education holds that education itself has no deliberate goal. Dewey, an American educator, put forward the concepts of "education is life" and "education is growth". He firmly believes that education is an end in itself, and it is a constant transformation and sublimation of human experience.