Terminology

A QUICK GUIDE
"Methodology"
 the way a given teacher goes about his/her teaching, a sort of umbrella-term to describe the
job of teaching another language. 
 methods in a general sense, and in some cases it is even equated to specific teaching
techniques. 
 “The study of pedagogical practices in general (including theoretical underpinnings and related
research).  Whatever considerations are involved in "how to teach" are methodological” (Brown
1994)
Approach
Theoretical positions and beliefs about the nature of language, the nature of language learning,
and the applicability of both to pedagogical settings.
E.g.:
 behaviourism
Cognitivism
Language acquisition
Task-based learning
Humanistic approaches
 Method
 A generalized set of classroom specifications for accomplishing linguistic objectives.
 Tend to be primarily concerned with teacher and student roles and behaviours and secondarily with
such features as linguistic and subject-matter objectives, sequencing, and materials. 
 Almost always thought of as being broadly applicable to a variety of audiences in a variety of contexts.
E.g.:
 Grammar Translation method,
 Direct Method,
 Audio-Lingual method,
 project-based learning,
 flipped classroom etc.
Technique / activity
The actual moment-to-moment classroom steps that lead to a specified outcome (objective)
e.g.:
silent viewing,
skimming,
class debate,
 role play,
Games
Exercise
 involves controlled, guided or open ended practice of some aspect of language.
E.g:
 drills,
 cloze exercises,
 matching exercises,
 reading comprehension passage.
Language skills
The ability to use language:
reading,
writing,
listening,
speaking,
cultural awareness.
Aim vs objective
AIMS OBJECTIVES

 statements concerning the overall goals,  individual stages that learners must achieve
ends or intentions of teaching on the way in order to reach these goals.
 more general  specific
 reflect the strategy  reflect the tactics