Abstract: Throughout his long professional career, Mr. Zhang Ruifan, a historian of education, developed his own unique learning and teaching style, and devoted to the basic research of educational history in a rigorous and pragmatic manner. He was a pioneer in educational history, leading the development of the discipline. In particular, he succeeded in creating the academic pattern of comparative research on educational history in China and abroad, making outstanding contribution to the construction of education discipline.

Key words: Zhang Ruifan, educational history, discipline construction