Which of the following is a disadvantage of a hollow square seating arrangement?

The disadvantage of a hollow square seating arrangement is that students can easily be distracted or have off-subject conversations. This arrangement typically allows for a more open and casual atmosphere, where students can see each other and interact freely. While this can foster collaboration and discussion, it also means that students might focus on side conversations or allow distractions to interfere with the lesson. This can lead to loss of focus on the instructor’s presentation or the topic at hand, and can compromise the overall effectiveness of the learning experience.

The other options highlight positive aspects of the hollow square setup, such as visibility among students fostering interaction (which can be beneficial for group dynamics), its suitability for small group discussions, and the opportunity for idea development, all of which contribute to engaging and collaborative learning environments.