The article discusses the problems connected with effective learning in environmental education (EE). Educational goals, approaches to teaching, basic organizing ideas and the main constructs of an innovative model of EE are dealt with in the paper. Basic strategies of learning are outlined and dominant methods briefly characterized. Students' activities are organized along a five-component structured model integrating knowledge, values, ethics, skills and evaluation. Criteria for evaluation of educational results are outlined. Effectiveness of teaching methods is assessed and confirmed using statistical methods. "Applicacion" is appended. (Contains 11 tables and 6 figures.)