“I Don’t Know” is Unacceptable – Alternative Responses
When A Student Doesn’t Know the Answer
Students can learn that the response of “I don’t know” to academic
questions and classroom discussions is not acceptable and that all
students are expected to participate in the learning process. However, we
must provide them with the tools and strategies to get help when they truly
do not know an answer.
Teach students the following sentences/stems for requesting assistance
with oral responses (review regularly):

Can you help me...?

How do I...?

I don’t understand...

May I please have some more information?

May I ask someone for help?

Where do I...?

Would you please repeat/rephrase that...?

Would you please say that again a little slower?

Would you please explain...?
Source: John Seidlitz, independent education consultant