Diffusing power/encouraging empowerment

I think empowerment in students can be created in the classroom in a variety of ways. It is so important for the child to believe in his or her own abilities both for academic success, but to have confidence in anything they do (sports, art, writing, etc.).
First off, I think positive language and encouragement from the teacher makes all the difference. I feel teachers who praise students and state the positive aspects of a child's performance greatly contribute to that child's success because it gives them the confidence and approval they need/want. Students can be empowered through, like mentioned, positive language/praise, through classroom rewards, but most importantly, through autonomy and independence to be active in their own education, in athletics, etc. By this I mean, allowing students to go out and discover what is important to them, and allow them to do assignments where they decide what matters and what interests them. Ultimately, what they care about and want to express/teach to others.
Teachers are not solely those who teach, but should also learn from the students and what they offer to the classroom. Conversely, I think it is important for students to teach others what they know and what is important to them for others to know. Giving the child the role of a teacher and giving them the stage to express themselves, whether it is through writing poetry, acting, dancing, what ever it may be, really empowers them to be leaders in the classroom and leadership is empowerment.
I can relate this to diffusing power in that the teacher is not always the authoritative figure in all instances. It is important that children respect the role he or she plays in the classroom as essentially, the 'manager' of the class. However, reversing roles where children are able to express themselves and their ideas, interests, etc. in any which way that makes them comfortable should be welcomed. It is important that children know the teacher is not only there to teach them something, but that they too have something they can teach the teacher. That, I think, is very empowering.