Evaluating a learning environment for case-based argumentation skills

CAT0 is an intelligent learning environment designed to help &@ting law students learn basic skills of making arguments with cases, through practice in theory-testing and argumentation tasks. CAT0 models ways in which experts compare and contrast cases, assess the significance of similarities and differences between cases in light of general domain knowledge, and use the same general knowledge to organize multi-case arguments by issues. CAT0 communicates its model to students by presenting dynamically-generated argumentation examples and reifying (i.e., making visible) argument structure. Also, the CAT0 Tools reduce some of the distracting complexity of the students' task.