Mathematical modeling is an important bridge to connect life practice and mathematics, and is widely used in various fields of studies. However, there are still many problems in the mathematical modeling teaching in universities, many Chinese scholars have made studies on this, and many achievements have been made. This paper collated studies results of predecessors, briefly reviewed the significance, current situation and improvement measures of mathematical modeling teaching in colleges and universities, and commented on it, so as to provide references for further studies in the future.