I was initially surprised that I wasn't given a set of cards for use in the air alongside the ground briefing notes that I'd been given. Then I found out that the FIC instructor expected me to come to the conclusion myself that I needed these and produce my own, in my own style, which I have done, and fantastically useful they are too.
I, Too, had near-total brain fade during the early lessons on the course and put it down to general incompetence but it seems to be about par for the course. Hang in there, it does get better!
TheOddOne