• Informal, conversational-style studies work well with the teens sharing their thoughts.

• Participation is the key. Use interactive style but don't lose the focus of the study. Be ready to direct the conversations if off point. Yet sometimes it is not the destination or prepared topic as much as about the process of getting there (what is learned along the way through the discussion.

• Lecturing or talking down is a sure way to get teens to tune out. Don't make it a classroom with a lecture—this shuts off conversation. Use it as a positive time to teach what is important for teens to learn and to bond together.

• Some benefits using the interactive style: it gives a glimpse of teens' understanding level, it keeps teens' attention better knowing they may be called upon, it helps teens' "buy in" to where you are going when they helped you to get there.

• If we say it's going to be interactive and then just talk the majority of the time, it sends a message that we don't really care what teens have to say and that they just need to be taught.

• Outlines are helpful so use them to generate quality conversations. Sometimes the discussion can lead to new or slightly different questions that are fine. Teens want to know we're interested in their thoughts—discussion is essential.