Description: This presentation proposes a solution to the student actuarial paradox “I mastered the syllabus but failed the exam,” by utilizing the two-dimensional syllabus vehicle which pedagogically focuses on the two dimensions of content and problem difficulty. This presentation advocates the PMR characterization of three levels of problems difficulty: Plug-ins (easy), Monkey-wrench (intermediate), and Research-type(hard) questions. PMR was developed by examining difficulty levels in SOA exams, and problems of various software vendors. The author's students routinely score high on the SOA FM exam; it is hoped that these methods will assist other instructors in their quest for good pedagogy. Very briefly: “Plug-ins,” refer to multi-part problems, for example, calculating the price of an annuity that is first increasing and then level; “Monkey-wrench” problems specifically refer to plug-in multi-part problems where one component is a monkey-wrench, an issue the candidate has not previously encountered. It might be a non-typical modeling or it might be a non-typical algebraic simplification or it might be an unexpected integration of distinct modules in a manner that the candidate has not yet seen. “Research-type questions” refer to problems requiring some type of experimentation for example, looking at initial cases, seeing a pattern and then applying methods

Description: The Expanding Horizons section chair discusses the SOA Doctoral Stipend.

Description: This is an interview with the internationally renowned academic actuary, Hans U. Gerber. It is a part of a larger series called DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC ACTUARIES, which introduces younger actuaries to the trail blazing actuaries that came before them.

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: The chairperson discussed a number of Education and Research Section sponsored initiatives that are designed to support the strengthening the academic arm of the profession. Scholarships, Centers of Actuarial Excellence, and research prizes, among others were addressed.

Description: Article describes accomplishments as Chair during the year. Four accomplishments are mentioned: i) Actuarial Research Conference ii) Early Career Award, iii) Establishment of Outstanding Educator Award, iv) Push to create surveys from the section containing a reservoir of ideas that can be used for webinars, podcasts, etc.

Description: This article studies several pedagogical uses of tables, particularly as they apply to actuarial teaching.

Description: In this article, the outgoing chairperson thanks the section council and highlights two major activities: the Centers of Actuarial Excellence, CAE, and the Future Education Methods, FEM.