Tao Xingzhi's educational thought is rich in ancient and modern thoughts, compatible with Chinese and western, simple in theory and self-contained. On the educational ideal, he advocated "establishing a democratic society extending in all directions through education extending in all directions"; In terms of educational standards, he adheres to the educational principle of moral supremacy and pursues the educational motto of "teaching thousands of people to seek truth and learning thousands of things to be a man". Tao Xingzhi's "truth" and Confucius' "benevolence" come down in one continuous line in educational concept and moral goal; In the aspect of educational strategy, based on his profound understanding of the relationship between knowledge and action, he put forward the important conclusion that "action is the beginning of knowledge and knowledge is the success of action", highlighted the leading position of practice in epistemology, and combined knowledge with practice, thus establishing the action strategy of "action-knowledge-action" to effectively implement educational ideals and goals in practice.

In educational theory, Tao Xingzhi inherited and developed Dewey's modern educational thought, and put forward three theoretical propositions: "Life is education", "society is school" and "teaching integration" from the national conditions of China. He advocated that education should be linked with social life, combined with production practice, implemented according to the needs of social life, break the gap between school and society, return to life, and move from books to life. In educational practice, he devoted his whole life to people's education. He is not afraid of difficulties and obstacles, earnestly explores, boldly practices and opens up new paths, setting an example for the world and being admired by all the people.