I probably wouldn't. Because the falls that you are likely to encounter mountain biking are different than what you would experience clipped in on a road bike, and it can be frightening to not be experienced enough falling in crazy ways where you will instinctively unclip. I rode trails well under my skill level for a few weeks when I first got clipless pedals and I thought I was good to go, but my first major wreck with clipless pedals on the mountain bike was still horrifying and it was a much worse wreck than it would have been if I'd just been on platforms.

I don't want to discourage you from going clipless on a mountain bike, but in a clinic situation where you'll be learning new skills I think you would find it easier to have one less thing to concentrate on/worry about.