Basic principle of concrete structures is the core compulsory course of civil engineering specialty which is also the basic major course taught at the early stage of major study for the students of civil engineering specialty. It is the foundation of almost all succeeding major courses which is of great importance. A lot of teaching content is involved in this course which related to a wide range of knowledge. However, the class hour of this course is quite limited which make it difficult to teach. In order to accommodate the characteristics of this course a series of innovative teaching methods are proposed to develop the study interests of students and solve the problems in the current teaching including development of study interests teaching modes after-class guidance bilingual teaching method and guidance on extra-curriculum activities. The practical results of the innovative teaching method showed that the study and research interests of students were developed, the self-learning capability and professional English vocabulary of students were enhanced, the scope and developing trends of students were also broaden which laid solid foundation for study work and advanced training in the future.