Democratic teaching model

This is great; a place to share teaching ideas. I hope you all share what works and what doesn't.

I've moved to a "democratic model" of teaching in which students and I plan a course together; they choose and assign readings in addition to my assignments; we negotiate a grading proportion. It is a combination of sstudent-led discussions (mostly) and lectures by me. I do add a couple of requirements that might not be their choice: community service and a research paper.

In the three classes so far, this approach has greatly improved the quality of papers and discussions and generated considerable student interest. There are some bumps - a developing schedule (students shape it for the most part) and possible negative evals by those who may prefer just lectures. But the pedagocial gains are, I think, worth the risks. Students feel a good deal of ownership of the class.

Would welcome critiques, suggestions, similar (or contrasting) experiences.
Bob Press