In a field as interdisciplinary as Computer Science Education, navigating the landscape of research paradigms and methodologies can be both exciting and overwhelming. Research design decisions are often constrained by time, disciplinary familiarity, and uncertainty about the benefits of alternative approaches. In Computer Science Education Research—an inherently interdisciplinary field—these constraints can prevent researchers from exploring the full range of possibilities available to them. Cards for Alternative Research Design (CARD) is designed to expand researchers’ awareness of different research approaches through a card-based research design activity. By engaging with paradigms, methodologies, and constraints in a playful format, participants can critically reflect on their current research without the formality or potential confrontation of direct critique. This exercise strengthens the reasoning behind chosen approaches, while also surfacing valid arguments for adopting alternatives, all with a relatively low time investment.

In this Birds of a Feather session, participants will be introduced to the CARD deck and then have the opportunity to play a variety of research-themed games with them. Together, we will explore how these games can foster deeper understanding of research framing and practice, while also creating a fun, interactive environment for scholarly exchange.