Sorry, but I don't have a magic bullet.
- Go through the very basic training videos that pop up when you first install Max.
- Try giving them some tasks to do that have requirements, but allow them some creativity (e.g. model a bike, create and light a room, animate a teapot). They will learn the program as the work through the tasks.
- Watch some videos or movies to learn what makes an animation "good." Do pros use one big camera movement or camera cuts? Lighting? Animation? Timings? Telling a story?
And then when it comes time to actually do the animation:
- Have a clear plan with one direction.
- Set deadlines and assign tasks.
- Planning, planning, planning. If you work with other people, you absolutely MUST communicate your idea or vision. Storyboards need to be the done FIRST, not after the animation is done.
- Realize what is in your capability. Don't take on more than you can do.
- The 5% Rule: Get EVERYTHING done with at least 5% of your allotted time remaining.