Roles of a case library as a collaborative tool for fostering argumentation

This analysis suggests several principles for designing a case library as an invitation interpretation and that integration of such a tool into the classroom provides a viable way of supporting creation of better arguments, learning of argumentation norms, and conflict resolution and negotiations among students.

Abstract

We tried to create an environment conducive to learning argumentation skills by combining collaborative use of case libraries with teacher facilitation of an appropriate kind. We present here the way we designed the environment, including the case library we created and the role of the teacher. The role of the case library in facilitating both collaboration and construction and evaluation of arguments is analyzed through examples. While preliminary, our analysis suggests (i) several principles for designing a case library as an invitation interpretation and (ii) that integration of such a tool into the classroom provides a viable way of supporting creation of better arguments, learning of argumentation norms, and conflict resolution and negotiations among students.