• appraised the suitability of a number of schools for this project and chose SMU 6 as the most suitable.
• met with SMU 6's headmistress on several occasions to clarify the objectives of the project and to discuss and plan development strategies
• presented my proposal to the school's administration staff, OSIS (Student Representatives), BP3 (Parent Teacher Association), and the teachers
• gained official approval from the project manager to conduct the study

October and November 1998
During October and November I presented to participants taking part in the librarian training courses in Bali, Ujung Pandang, and Palembang (90 minute presentations - total of around 300 participants). The focus of my presentations was upon the importance of; school libraries, librarians taking a pro-active position in the schools (and accepting responsibility!), extending school library hours, and developing strategies to increase student utilization of libraries.

November 1998
During the month of November I was mainly focussed upon the more general objectives of the Model Schools Project and participated in many meetings, discussions, and team visits to several schools in Central and West Java to help ascertain their suitability as either model or pilot schools.

February 1999
I re-commenced work on the MSIP Study in early February 1999. Believing that the only way to effectively study a school is from within, I have been based at the school (SMU 6, Jakarta) with a desk in the staff room since February 2nd. Through meetings (both formal and informal), participation in general staff room discussions, and many even less formal discussions, I have identified many of the constraints to implementing change 'within this school' (I hesitate to generalize to other schools).

In preparation for the planned implementation, having gained consensus for my proposals and support from the staff directly involved, I scheduled several formal meetings with staff and the school's head to formulate final plans and to schedule the work. The following schedule is currently being implemented. The main construction work in the language laboratory and library are scheduled to take place during the school's vacation period. It was hoped that the main body of this work would be completed before classes commenced again on the 8th of March. However, Just before commencement of the work, at a final meeting with the teachers, it became clear that they were not happy with the plan for half the students in their classes to go to the library. After discussing the options they decided that one of my original concepts for the language laboratory was more suitable. This option was the divided room. A wall had to be erected and this (using only school staff) took over seven weeks to complete (as they had time - see SMU 6 Variation). An advance from the school was obtained in order to commence the project while awaiting formal budget approval and funding to become available. This in itself reflected a significant belief in the project.

The two main issues which this project is attempting to improve are student levels of interest and participation in reading, and the strategies and practices for developing functional foreign language skills. The two main successes (institutional outcomes) for the project thus far are:

• The school library hours will be extended until 4pm Monday to Thursday therefore allowing students two hours per day to participate in library activities.
• The school's staff have accepted the concept and importance of quality versus quantity. The new language laboratory will have an improved teacher/ student ratio (previous target 1:48 new target 1:24). Not ideal, but the best achievable ratio under current conditions (class size 48).

• Distribute a letter to teachers requesting information about the topics to be studied by their students commencing March 8^th, and also notify them of the changes to take place in both the library (facilities and open hours) and language laboratory.
• Commence design of the new library sign (3m x 1m) for the courtyard wall.

• Confirm budget approval Dikmenum.
• Commence ordering noticeboards and fittings for installation.

• Send a letter home with the students notifying the parents of the planned changes and implications for students (hours etc.).
• Acquisition of materials, electrical fittings, and organization of labor.

• Commence construction of the frame for the self-access laboratory dividing wall.
• Disconnect and remove all language laboratory and power cables (store safely).
• Move the booths to the back of the room
• Cover the booths to protect them from dust.

• Erect the library noticeboard next to the front gate (2m x 1.5m - behind the Satpam).
• Order the library sign (3m x 1m)
• Re-position the library furniture to allow for installation of at least four student positions from the language laboratory.
• Move the chosen language laboratory cubicles to the library.
• Place unused library articles, furniture and books in the storeroom.
• Re-position the furniture in the library to maximize space and to allow ease of student access and monitoring of video/TV facilities.
• Erect the noticeboard in the library.

• Monitor and assist with the construction and general installations in the language laboratory.
• Position the 24 booths and teacher's desk correctly in the room (to the chosen variation of the new design).
• Mark the position of the underfloor channels for the cables.
• Cut the channels (2 at the front of the room and 2 at the rear - 75mm wide).
• Install the 2" conduit in the floor channels and retile and grout the floor.
• Remove the partitions from 24 student booths to be used in the language laboratory.
• Commence provision for installing the cables and link units within the LL furniture.
• Work in the library to address systems for streamlining and improving services.
• Reorganize furniture to optimize space.
• Select books that may assist students with the study topics identified by the teachers, and general interest books.
• Commence construction of library displays and promotional materials.
• Place notices around the school promoting the library facilities and new operational hours.
• Erect the new library sign on the wall facing the courtyard and front entrance.

• Measure and prepare cables for the re-installation of the language laboratory.
• Connect the cables, link units, student units, and headsets to the master console and check them individually - many of the units were reported by teachers to be faulty.
• Document and store the faulty units for repair (after the installation is completed).
• Install the operational units and test the system.

• Repair the faulty language laboratory equipment (simultaneously providing practical training for the new laboratory technician in basic maintenance).
• Investigate and make recommendations/ plans for other facilities development (including IPA laboratories)
• Develop self-access materials for the new self-access room and the library (I recommend the appointment of a full-time ESL teacher for 1 month).
• Investigate the feasibility of commencing adult education (community) classes in computing and English language (as a sustainability and community strengthening strategy).
• If community education is a viable and desired option assist with the planning and implementation of courses.
• After practical evaluation of the new language laboratory materials produced by Dikmenum in the new language laboratory review the needs for extension materials acquisition, and the possible participation of PPPG Bahasa in addressing materials needs and production.
• Provide language laboratory training for the English language staff (hopefully MGMP/ SANGGAR sessions can be included).
• Provide ongoing assistance and training to the library staff.
• Incorporate Internet facilities into the library.
• Provide Internet training to library and general staff.
• Investigate the interest within the students and staff for formation of an SMU 6 Internet group.
• Formulate the Internet group, schedule training sessions, and organize regular bookings at the cheapest Internet café in Blok M Plaza, "if supported" (currently "Smash Net" - Rp8,000 per hour - group booking).
• Promote the utilization of the Internet and other resources for improvement to institutional, staff, and student communication.
• Promote the new model through Dikmenum resources and through the Internet.
• Monitoring and reporting on developments to Dikmenum, schools, and other interested parties.

Learning Systems Institute