Conceptual Framework

My conceptual framework has gone through a few iterations, but in each version, I have consistently tried to document the interconnected relationships between many of the concepts I observed on Tabletop through a social constructivist lens. All of the learning on Tabletop happens within the context of the TV show production. Therefore, the players and their interactions fall within the larger gray "TV show" circle. Based on my observations, the presence of cameras seems to encourage thought externalization, guided inquiry from experienced players, and manipulation of game pieces. I found that all of these factors appear to contribute to the shared understanding of effective game strategy among players on Tabletop.

Moving inward, I try to hone in on the main concepts featured in my three claims. Externalization is represented by the pink speech bubble, guided inquiry is represented by the yellow question bubble, experience is represented by the yellow star, and game equipment is represented by the blue die. A player's externalization about a game move may trigger a question from an experienced player, or it may encourage a player to interact with the board. In fact, any of these factors--externalization, guided inquiry, or manipulation of game equipment--may lead to another contribution from any of the players at the table. Everything is interconnected. The arrows thus point from concept to concept in multiple directions, with dotted lines representing possible paths rather than required paths.

Lastly, the middle of the framework represents the construction of shared understanding about effective game strategy among players, depicted as the "finish line" or "winner's circle" on a board game. There is not one set path toward arriving at a shared understanding about game strategy. As each player is influenced by others at the table, the colors of the game pieces and their corresponding paths interweave.