Rethinking Taekwondo Education: Can Computational Thinking Truly Enhance Problem-Solving and Self-Esteem?

Students' difficulty in mastering poomsae requires learning strategies that build self-confidence and problem-solving skills. This study aims to integrate computational thinking (CT) into Taekwondo poomsae learning as a strategy to improve students' problem-solving skills and self-esteem. The method used was a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design, employing a time series design. Seventy-seven students participated (65 males; 12 females). Data on problem-solving skills were collected using the 16-item Problem Solving Instrument, and self-esteem data were collected using the 10-item Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired-sample tests using IBM SPSS version 29. The integration of CT in Taekwondo learning has been shown to improve students' problem-solving abilities and self-esteem significantly. The integration of CT into Taekwondo learning improved students' problem-solving abilities, including technical analysis, challenge resolution, decision-making effectiveness, and algorithmic abilities. While self-liking increased, self-competence decreased slightly, indicating a need for strengthening self-confidence. Overall, CT supported technical mastery and psychological development. Thus, the integration of CT can be used as an effective approach to problem-solving. It has implications for student self-esteem and supports socio-emotional development and the formation of student well-being when facing challenges in the learning process.