Applying Developmental Psychology to Bridge Cultures in the Classroom

Applied developmental psychology provides an opportunity to use what is known from developmental research and apply this knowledge to solving social problems. This chapter provides the reader with a tangible example of how developmental psychology can be used in this way. The example utilizes basic developmental research demonstrating cross-cultural value conflict between Latino immigrant families and U.S. schools. This research serves as the foundation for a cross-cultural teacher training program entitled Bridging Cultures. Bridging Cultures was designed to ameliorate this cross-cultural value conflict, thereby improving the lives of Latino immigrant children, their parents, and their teachers.