We've all been there but it's a hurdle that must be crossed. Perhaps the more practical approach would be to spend some time away from the books whilst 'mulling over it', you may get a eureka moment. General Navigation is hard and you really need to take your time over it, there's no sortcuts unless you're a real brain box. Also it's worth investing in decent plotting equipment and not wobbly old CRPs and dodgy school compasses, it will help you get nearer to the right answer and further from the wrong ones!
Also expect the brush up to really help consolidate alot of this information and finally give you a 'ah, now I understand' moment
They're excellent instructors and yes they do know it all (well almost everything).
The best thing would be forget what you think you know about the world and learn afresh and accept what you're being taught against the bias of your own knowledgeable prejudice. That sways people away from learning the subject because they can't get their head around it in a 3D aspect. Try and visualise things perhaps even go out and get a globe to place on your desk then you can look at it from different angles and overlay pieces of string on it. Hope it works out matey
Keep the faith......