It sounds like you are at a 'couldn't care less' school.
With my instructor students, I give them the briefing(s) aplliciable, they brief me back,(and each other) then we go flying.
I then roleplay the sudent pilot(thats fun especially doing the 'student from hell')
After arriving back, we debrief, and also cover things you can expect a student to do. I also let the more advanced candidates brief 'real'students(in my presence)
This plus theory lessons, ( Principles of flight etc) must be well balanced and interesting.
Find yourself an instructor who enjoys teaching, and model yourself on him. Role models can be found, just ask around.
Good luck.