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: 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: Feature article describing the content and results of an introductory seminar on actuarial science presented at the University of Cincinnati.

Description: Some ideas for incorporating external forces, professionalism, and actuarial intuition into an introductory actuarial course. It's never too early to get students thinking about these ideas and prepare them to think like actuaries.

Description: Read the November 2020 issue of Expanding Horizons published by the Education & Research Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: A note from the Chairperson about serving on the E&R Section.

Description: A brief review of a successful conference for young researchers in actuarial science and risk management.

Description: A brief set of comments acknowledging outgoing section council members and welcoming the new members.

Description: Read the December 2019 issue of Expanding Horizons, published by the Education and Research Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.