Who Owns the Classroom?

Most new teachers have the misconception that they are in charge of the classroom. Problems occur when students begin to show the new teacher who really is in charge. At this point, the teacher/student power struggle begins. This is a losing battle for both particpants.
The best solution for this situation is to give the student ownership in their classroom. The more power students have, the more power the teacher has. This doesn't mean abandoning rules, procedures and the curriculum. Students want structure and learning in a classroom as much as the teacher wants it. They do, however, want to feel that they are responsible for their learning and for what happens in the class. How does a teacher help to achieve this?
That is the major topic of this blog.