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: Article recapping The 38th ASTIN colloquium took place in Manchester, U.K. on July 13–16.

Description: Book review of Anthony Asher’s "Working Ethically in Finance: Clarifying our Vocation".

Description: Actuarial science curricula at universities tend to focus on preparing students for academic and professional exams. In this article, I will share the value of student professional development and how it complements the technical skills taught in the classroom, using Temple University as an illustrative case study.