A recent topic analysis of chemical engineering separations classes at four universities showed a content overlap of 61 percent. Clearly, some material could be removed from each of these classes. And unless it's extremely pertinent to the course, don't cover your own research. Removing excessive content has the added benefit of creating more classroom time for active learning exercises that increase student understanding, such as group activities and one-minute quizzes. Expect students to get more from readings and homework.
Most educators agree that students are responsible for learning.
Encouraging them to learn more outside the classroom can help alleviate content tyranny in the classroom. Ways to accomplish this include developing some course objectives that embrace material covered only in readings, and designing homework and test problems addressing these objectives. Remember to inform students about what you are doing before they take the first exam so that they will be sure to devote the proper time and attention to reading assignments. Content tyranny often leads to problematic tests. If students constantly complain about your exams, ask several colleagues to take one.