The Feynman Technique for Actuarial Concepts
How to use Richard Feynman's learning method to master complex actuarial topics.
The Four Steps
The Feynman Technique has four steps. First, choose a concept like "Buhlmann credibility" or "option pricing." Second, explain it in plain language as if teaching someone with no actuarial background. Third, identify gaps where your explanation breaks down or gets vague. Fourth, go back to the source material, fill those gaps, and simplify your explanation further.
Why It Works for Actuarial Exams
Actuarial exams test understanding, not just memorization. When you can explain net premium reserves without jargon, you truly understand the concept. This technique exposes "illusions of competence" where you recognize material but cannot reconstruct it from scratch. Try explaining concepts to a study partner, recording yourself, or writing brief explanations in a notebook. The places where you stumble are exactly the topics that need more work before exam day.