1, educational purpose: Zhang Zhidong's educational thought takes middle school as the body and western learning as the core, aiming at cultivating talents who are loyal to Confucian morality and maintain traditional culture, while absorbing western scientific and technological knowledge to revitalize the country. Cai Yuanpei emphasizes the all-round development of individuals and social progress, and advocates that education should pay attention to individuality and diversity, and respect students' freedom and creativity.

2. Educational methods: Zhang Zhidong's educational thought pays attention to traditional teaching methods, such as reciting, explaining and imitating, and emphasizes the mastery of basic knowledge. Cai Yuanpei advocates adopting more flexible educational methods such as experiment, research and discussion to stimulate students' interest and initiative in learning.