This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the differences in the use of the problem-solving teaching method (PSTM) between China and western countries in primary schools. In China, PSTM is based on Confucius’ teaching method, while in western countries it has developed from the Socratic teaching method. According to the research literature, the main idea of PSTM can be divided into four parts: raising problems, discussing problems, solving problems and reflecting, in which the questions are raised by the teacher or students. There are similarities and differences in PSTM application between Chinese and Western classes. In addition to reviewing the main ideas behind PSTM, this paper will also compare the subjects using PSTM in schools, the school classroom setting for PSTM, the effectiveness of PTSM, PTSM and online teaching, and the challenges of PSTM application and teacher training for PSTM. It will suggest possible reasons for the differences in order to gain a more suitable effective teaching method for the current cultural background of China. Due to the integration of cultures, more and more international students go to foreign countries to study. A comparison between Chinese and Western teaching methods is not only conducive to the updating of education methods, but also promotes the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, laying a good foundation for Chinese and Western students to learn knowledge. At the end of this study, some representative suggestions on how to solve the challenges of using PSTM and teacher training plans will be put forward.