This paper introduces the teaching exploration of teaching methods of architecture specialty in Tianjin University, which includes using space as the core content of preliminary architectural education curriculum, which drawing on cognitive theories, and establishing the spatial cognition and design training series unit. This unit consists of human scale cognitive, urban cognition and analysis, study and analysis of classical architectural works, cube space design training, integration of spatial organization training and spatial construction. Research-based learning is the main learning methods in teaching process. This teaching practice achieved good teaching results.