The uniqueness of values and personal traits of Generation Z students in the innovative educational space of the southern region of Russia

Abstract

The value gap between the subjects of the educational space makes it difficult to introduce innovations in the process of interaction between a teacher and a student. The study is aimed at comparing the Big five (TIPI-RU) traits and Schwartz values in Generation Z students. Students (N=396) are residents of the Crimea and the Rostov region. We assumed that if respondents belong to the same age group and are identified with the same Generation Z group, they must have similar personality traits and value structure. As a result, we found out that the values of conservatism and self-transcendence prevailed in both groups. The Crimean students have the values of universalism, kindness, security is associated with achievements. The Rostov students have the most expressed values of universalism and independence, security is associated with power. The Crimean students were dominated by personal traits: conscientiousness, consent and openness to experience, extroversion. The Rostov students showed conscientiousness and openness to experience. We concluded that the differences between the two groups mainly relate to the value structure and the respondents’ area of residence plays a role. The research can be useful for developing work and training programs for young people.