Abstract
Contemporary pedagogy searches for the ways to reorient teachers' and students' activity towards the aim of sustainable development. The teacher becomes involved both in teaching/learning activities and in researching the environment of his own activities in order to design the environment favourable for students' development. The article presents the analysis of research and learning environment and activities that promote the development of students' research skills in one of Latvia's secondary schools. It displays the research methods and means identified in students' research works, and evaluates the research environment in the school. Several types of environment were identified, which teachers can purposefully use to develop the research skills of their students. The results of analysis can be implemented by educational institutions, which organise students' research activities. The described methods and means can be used in learning environment with no supplementary material resources required and involving teachers in research of school environment therefore re-orientating their professional frames of reference to address sustainable development.