Based on many of the questions posted on the board, many novice quilters have little background in any type of sewing. So I would try to cover the basics. What are fabrics made from and how are they made? aka why you should cut your borders on the lengthwise grain, why bias edges will stretch, why the outside edges of your block should be in grain. Then what are the basic techniques used in quilting, with examples of each--applique, piecing, paper piecing and foundation oiecing, to name some. How are pieced blocks constructed? Why do you usually press the seam allowance to one side and when would you not do it? Graph paper and pencils to design a block or two that is relatively simple can teach a lot. Templates may be old fashioned, but they illustrate why you use a square 7/8 bigger than the finished size to result in two sets of half square triangles. Once you understand what you're doing, you can use the tools much more effectively than just hearing "Line it up on this line and cut". A sampler is perfect to teach a variety of techniques.
And then is machine vs hand piecing and quilting. Oh, and how to put on a binding.