Herbart's book General Pedagogy was published in 1806, which is a milestone in the development history of pedagogy. Before that, the knowledge of pedagogy was mainly scattered in philosophy, psychology and other disciplines. Herbart studied pedagogy as an independent discipline for the first time, which laid the foundation for the systematization and theorization of pedagogy.

Herbart put forward four basic elements of pedagogy in General Pedagogy: interest, will, character and knowledge. He advocates that education should cultivate students' interest and stimulate their thirst for knowledge; At the same time, the education process should cultivate students' willpower and let them make wise decisions; In addition, education should also shape students' character and make them have good moral quality. Finally, education should teach students solid knowledge and skills and help them master the necessary scientific and cultural knowledge.

The importance of general pedagogy;

1. Herbart's "four-stage teaching theory" and the educational thought of "interest, will, character and knowledge" in General Pedagogy have become the theoretical basis of modern pedagogy. This book has made outstanding contributions to the independence and systematization of pedagogy, making pedagogy an independent discipline.

2. Herbart emphasized the practicality and application of pedagogy in general pedagogy. He pointed out that pedagogy should not only be a theoretical discipline, but also guide educational practice. This thought has played an important role in promoting the application and development of modern pedagogy.

3. General pedagogy also has an important influence on educational reform and the formation of modern educational thoughts. Herbart's educational thought provided a theoretical basis for the later "New Education Movement" and modern educational reform. At the same time, his educational thought has also had a wide influence on a global scale, providing an important reference for the educational development of all countries in the world.

4. Herbart's "General Pedagogy" had a far-reaching impact on the later development of pedagogy. The branches of pedagogy have covered all aspects of education, including curriculum and teaching, educational psychology, educational policy research and so on. The exploration and development of these fields are inseparable from Herbart's contribution and influence on the independence of pedagogy.