I've taught a lot of beginners and I would suggest keeping it simple. If you are teaching machine piecing, some people won't even know how to thread their machines or wind a bobbin. If you are using rotary cutters and they have never done it, it takes some practice to get control of the cutter and get familiar with the ruler measurements. It will be simpler if you have them all do the same project.
I do a four week session - My first 2 hour class starts with how to choose fabrics, what the necessary tools are, terminology such as fat quarter, width of fabric, bias, etc. (All the things we're familiar with but can be overwhelming when you're new). We practice cutting with the rotary cutter and learn how to make an accurate 1/4" seam.
Second week we piece a few simple blocks for a table topper or wallhanging.
Third week we layer, baste, mark and machine quilt (straight lines only).
Final week we learn binding, hanging sleeves and labels.
So in 4 weeks they've learned all the basic steps needed to complete a quilting project!
Good luck!