Taking the subject of structural mechanics as an example, the teaching method of progressive conceptual analysis is proposed from the perspective of “student-centered teaching”. The contradiction between teaching and learning of structural mechanics is expounded. The cultivation of conceptual analysis capability is divided into three stages: concept comprehension capability, concept discrimination capability and flexible concept application capability. Setting specific exercises which embody concepts, and then train students to summarize problem solving methods and clarify problem solving ideas from the perspective of conceptual analysis independently. It is aimed at developing students’ independent learning capability. The concept comprehension capability can be improved by setting wrong-prone exercises. The concept discrimination capability can be improved by setting easily confused exercises. The flexible concept application capability can be improved by setting multi-solution exercises. It can solve the difficulty of conceptual analysis teaching by using concept comprehension, concept discrimination and flexible concept application capability as steps. This teaching method is general and applicable to the teaching of most science and technology subjects.