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 article describes a grant available to Ph.D. students. It is sponsored by the CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF ACTUARIES, CASUALTY ACTUARIAL SOCIETY, COLEGIO NACIONAL DE ACTUARIOS, A.C. AND SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES. The intent is to to encourage graduate students to complete research in actuarial science and to pursue academic actuarial careers in North America upon completion of a Ph.D. degree program.

Description: This article solicits exam question writers.