Description: This article previews the session on Predictive Modeling at the 2009 Spring meeting that is co-sponsored by the Education & Research Section and Health Section of the SOA.

Description: This article explains the travel grants to the 44th Actuarial Research Conference provided by the Committee on Knowledge Extension Research.

Description: Announcement that learning objectives for Exam MLC, MODELS FOR LIFE CONTINGENCIES, are being revised and will be in place for the spring 2012 administration of this examination.

Description: The brief from the editor of Expanding Horizons for this essay was to give some personal reflections on how actuarial education and research influence actuarial practice.

Description: This article talks about practitioners working with academics.

Description: Learning excellence is of value to both candidates and credentialed actuaries learning new areas. Learning mastery and excellence requires 1) use of executive function (EF), multiple brain areas, for example, verbal, formal (algebraic), computational, and geometric (rule of four), and 2) goal-setting, skillful breaking down of complex tasks into subtasks each of which are simultaneously 2a) clear and specific, 2b) achievable in a short time and 2c) challenging. 10 examples are presented illustrating use of the "rule of four" to achieve elegant solutions to otherwise complex problems as well as goal setting using fellowship-exam approaches, approaches to multi-component problems, and skillful use of databases as visual organizers. The material reflects a new approach to learning complexity that is easier to use than the pedagogic hierarchies and unifies them.

Description: This short note discusses creativity in the context of actuarial science, and how to cultivate it. We first attempt to define creative thinking as opposed to procedural thinking or memory recall. We then describe concrete examples of actuarial projects that promote deeper thinking. We also address why creativity is needed and how to make sure our students are able to communicate their creative ideas effectively.

Description: In this article, the incoming chairperson of Expanding Horizons addresses the section and talks about the section’s goals for the next year.

Description: This article explains the changes made to the Expanding Horizons Newsletter.

Description: Announcement of a faculty position in Actuarial Science and Mathematics at Robert Morris University.