The characteristics, values and difference factors of generation Z students and the way of educational interaction with them from the perspective of female students

The purpose of the present study was to identify the characteristics, values, and factors that differentiate Generation Z students and how to interact with them educationally from the perspective of female students. The research paradigm was interpretive with a qualitative approach and the research method was phenomenology. The research field included female students of Farhangian University of Kurdistan Province in the academic year 2023-2024 that based on a criteria-based approach and data saturation criteria, 32 people were selected, and their characteristics were mentioned, then, data collection was carried out through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted by the researcher and after analysis, it was approved by the participants. The findings were realized in three steps: In the first step, the characteristics and values ​​of Generation Z (65 items in three categories) were categorized, and in the second step, the differences (82 items) and the factors that led to the emergence and manifestation of these differences (43 items) were categorized. And finally, in the third step, first incorrect interaction methods (60 cases) and then behavior methods appropriate for this generation (47 methods) were identified and categorized. It can be seen that Generation Z is a distinct generation, not one that cannot be interacted with. According to the analysis, this depends on recognizing and respecting their specific characteristics, namely dialogue. Therefore, the main challenge in interacting with these students lies not in them themselves, but in the challenges of the previous generation and their inability to understand and respect their characteristics. This requires adopting new educational approaches in interacting with Generation Z.