Many subjects rely on rote memorization of facts or formulas.
To challenge these students, simply more information is thrown at them. In physics I believe the exact opposite approach is warranted. The challenge is to throw less information and formulas, but more understanding. Physics is, of course, built on the notion that a few physical laws govern the world around us. Once a student has mastered these principles, he or she may better understand a huge variety of problems, both inside and outside of physics.