IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM IMERSI BAHASA INGGRIS

The aims of the study are: (1) to describe the implementation of teaching learning process of immersion program at SMAN 4 Surakarta; (2) to identify the advantages and the weaknesses of immersion program; and (3) to describe how to develop the immersion program in the future. The research was conducted in descriptive qualitative approach based on field observation, questionnaires and interviews to some stakeholders, such as students, parents, teachers, and the director of immersion program at SMAN 4 Surakarta. The result shows that: (1) the immersion program has been conducted since 2003/2004 academic year by implementing seven subject matters taught in English: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology; History, Economics, and Geography; (2) Prior to immersion implementation, the teachers joined the Classroom English Course for one year (3) The use of English in teaching learning process was done gradually; (4) Both teachers and students are highly motivated in conducting and joining this program; (5) Great supports come from the well-educated parents; (8) Some facilities (e.g. reference books and teaching media) are available for supporting this program; and (9) the output (the graduates) of this program were all successful and all accepted in universities. The advantages of this program, among others, are: both the teachers and students feel motivated to increase their English skills; besides that, they feel self-confident for increasing their knowledge due to their English skills. On the other hand, the weaknesses, among others, are: some teachers still need guidance in the classroom, and the students should think twice in understanding the subject matters (especially at the beginning of this program) understanding English and understanding the matters themselves. For the development in the future, it is necessary for the institution to provide this program with some more complete infra/supra structures. In line with the stakeholders’ optimism on this program, the institution hopes that the government, especially the Regency of Surakarta, would give more attention and fund for developing this program, especially the human resources to be qualified