How can older students help?
I have occasionally used ‘aides’ (math-skilled seniors) in a freshman class. Usually it has been once a week. It’s been cute. I’ve given them little things to do. And they and the little kiddies have seemed to like it.
This term I am teaching extra algebra classes. I also have potentially more volunteers (they would be only 1 period/week, each). I am curious from those of you who have done this: how do you use older students most usefully and efficiently when you have them available?
Safely assume that the personal interactions with the freshmen are positive. Also assume that the seniors are not friends with the freshmen. And assume that the seniors have good math skills and reasonable organization skills.
In past years handing out and collecting have been main activities, and less frequently working with one or two students who needed help as the lesson proceeded.
During independent work, as I filter around, some of the seniors have been good at answering questions without giving answers away (but not all).
Ideas? Comments?
JD2718 
My senior student aides sometimes filter around too (they have gotten pretty good at asking questions instead of just telling the others what to do). Sometimes they grade papers, I have one who makes the key (I assign point values). Sometimes I ask them to type up notes/worksheets…
Then again, my aides are my math team seniors and I have them every day for the semester – ymmv.