If I were taking a beginner hand piecing class I would like to learn the things that will make my first projects successful and fun. I think too much technical info at this point would be a turn off for me. The things I would find most useful are:
How to make/tie a knot.
Fabric - More about grain line than fiber content.
A short discussion about Color/Value (lights,mediums,darks)
How to cut accurately.
How to sew intersections so that I won't end up with gaping holes.
How to choose suitable beginner patterns.
I would find reference sheets and diagrams very helpful also.
Good luck with the class.