If it is a learn to quilt class I would expect to have a quilt at the end of it, as in, something someone can snuggle with, even if it is a baby quilt.
It depends on the age group you are targetting- some might want to do a lap quilt but some would have no use for them.
Some might have a child or grandchild to make for, but some would not. I think it would be good to ask the students to say on their enrolment form what they would like to make and try to accommodate that.
I am a person who is eager to get going and, although I am very interested NOW in learning proper techniques, when I started I just wanted to MAKE something. It didn't really matter how wonky it was.
I think you need to show them basic straight line stitching, how to measure and cut, how to choose colours, and then let them get on with it- a strip quilt for the impatient, a rail fence or a more complex project for the more ambitious.