6 Next-Gen Adult and Continuing Education Books to Read in 2025

This book rethinks adult education by framing it as a process of world building, where learners and educators collaboratively invent new ways to address complex societal problems. The authors, experts in adult education, guide you through philosophical foundations and practical tools to transform classrooms into spaces for ecological and transformative learning. You'll find detailed case studies illustrating how these worldbuilding methods foster deeper collaboration and empower students to develop innovative solutions. This approach suits educators and facilitators committed to evolving traditional adult education into a dynamic, interconnected practice that bridges individual growth and community impact.

Bob Hughes, Deanna Iceman Sands, and Ted Kalmus bring together rich practitioner insights in Equitable Adult Learning, exploring how organizations can embed equity and justice in adult education. The book presents four detailed case studies using an innovative assessment and transformation framework adapted from the Education Deans for Justice and Equity Framework, highlighting how structural and policy shifts foster inclusion. You’ll find thoughtful analysis on participatory action research methods and cross-case comparisons that reveal practical pathways toward organizational change. This book suits educators, social justice advocates, and organizational leaders seeking grounded examples rather than idealized theory.

This tailored book explores the latest developments shaping adult and continuing education in 2025, focusing on emerging trends and discoveries that align with your unique background and learning goals. It examines innovative practices and evolving concepts that define the current landscape, providing a personalized journey through the most relevant topics based on your interests. By addressing your specific goals, the book offers a focused exploration of new insights, enabling you to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field. With its tailored approach, the content matches your experience level and desired sub-topics, making complex advancements accessible and engaging. This personalized guide reveals how recent research and practices influence adult education today, encouraging informed application and deeper understanding.

What started as a focused effort to improve inclusivity in higher education became a detailed examination of adult learners' unique experiences and needs. Jovita M. Ross-Gordon, Amy D. Rose, and Carol E. Kasworm draw on extensive research and practical examples to explore how institutions can better recruit, teach, and support students over 25. You’ll find chapters that break down adult student demographics, leadership challenges, and retention strategies, complemented by real program case studies. This book is especially useful if you're involved in higher education administration or program design aiming to integrate adult learners effectively.

Catherine H. Monaghan, E. Paulette Isaac-Savage, and Paul G. Putman bring their active practitioner experience to "Career Pathways in Adult Education," addressing the evolving landscape of adult education careers. This book dives into the transferable skills essential for success across various adult education roles, then maps out concrete career trajectories, from entry-level positions to advancement opportunities within multiple industries. You’ll find personal stories that illuminate the practical realities and future trends shaping this field. It’s best suited if you’re transitioning into adult education or involved in program administration, offering a grounded perspective on career development rather than abstract theory.

Travis Collins approaches adult and continuing education with a clear focus on the evolving nature of learning beyond traditional schooling. This book explores how adults engage voluntarily in structured self-education to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes, covering everything from literacy to formal workforce training. You’ll find detailed explanations of post-secondary learning programs, including remediation, career training, and personal enrichment, presented in accessible language with illustrative examples. It’s particularly useful if you’re involved in designing or participating in adult education programs and want to understand the underlying principles and diverse pathways available today.

This tailored book explores emerging insights and forecasts relevant to adult and continuing education roles, focusing on your unique background and goals. It examines upcoming trends, recent discoveries, and evolving practices expected in 2025 and beyond. By aligning its content with your specific interests, it reveals how new knowledge reshapes adult learning environments and instructional approaches. The personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to your professional growth, allowing for a focused exploration of innovations and research shaping this vital field.

Jackie Bolen and Jennifer Booker Smith bring together decades of classroom experience to offer a practical collection of ESL activities designed specifically for teenagers and adults. This book delivers a rich variety of low-prep and no-prep exercises to energize conversation, writing, reading, listening, and grammar lessons. You’ll find detailed guidance on how to implement each activity, along with teaching tips that help you navigate common challenges and keep students engaged. Whether you’re new to ESL teaching or looking to refresh your lesson plans, this book equips you to add instructional variety and foster a more interactive classroom environment.