Owing to abstract concepts, complex formulas as well as incompatible traditional teaching experiments, it is urgent to establish an experimental teaching system matching the course of basic principles of steel structure. In accordance with the case of axial compression experiment for steel member, the method for teaching experiments was discussed and relevant suggestions for schedules, progress steps and attentions were proposed. By introducing the specific experimental teaching into the abstract and difficult theoretical knowledge, the teaching efficiency can be greatly improved by attracting the student's attention. Finally, the diversified teaching method is worthy of further promotion.