Glossary search results

Glossary search results

by Peta Statham -
Number of replies: 1

Hi everyone

We're using Moodle 2.4. We are using the Glossary tool to create a go-to, searchable resource for staff. It will provide them with definitions and how-tos that they can refer to in their day to day work activities

There will probably be up to 800 entries in the glossary once we're done.

Each entry has a concept name, at least one category assigned to it and a definition. The use of keywords is very rare (we usually only use keywords to account for situation where a user may use an acronym, instead of the full name, when they search).

Staff can currently browse by category or in alphabetical order. They can also search (and can check a box to search full text or not).

With such a high number of entries, the search results returned to the user are of great importance. We want them to be able to find things quickly.

I have two issues with the Glossary Search Functionality:

  • When the Search full text option is unchecked, full text is still searched (e.g. concept name, keywords and definition), resulting In an unnecessarily large number of search results. Is there any way to fix this, as it seems to lead to the next issue?
  • Search results are displayed in alphabetical order and only concept names are shown, meaning that staff cannot filter the results by reading ahead. For example, a staff member may search for the term Credit (with full text search turned off). The word credit is used in many definitions. There may actually be a very relevant entry called 'Credit', but it is not shown until the third page of search results. Is there any way to show the first sentence (or so) of the definition, so staff can quickly determine whether an entry might be of use to them? Perhaps a way to order results In terms of relevance (e.g. an entry with the search term in the concept name is ranked higher than an entry with the search term in the definition)?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Peta Statham

Average of ratings: -
In reply to Peta Statham

Re: Glossary search results

by Joseph Rézeau -
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Hi Peta.

1.- "When the Search full text option is unchecked, full text is still searched (e.g. concept name, keywords and definition), resulting In an unnecessarily large number of search results."

Wrong,  Search full text unchecked = Search Concept (and Keywords) only (not definition)

2.- "Search results are displayed in alphabetical order and only concept names are shown, meaning that staff cannot filter the results by reading ahead."

"only concept names are shown" this depends how you have set up your Glossary display. I suppose you have set it to display "Entry list". If you set it to display "Dictionary style", you will display both Concept word and Definition.

Joseph

Average of ratings: Useful (1)