Collator, your instructor was being lazy. Plus their ego was probably growing at the sight of you struggling. Don't think thats instructing to me, rather lets show student how good I am. I would'nt pay for his ego if I were you. BEagle et al have got it right.
Incidently, I have used the throw em in the deep end bit a few times, but never the circuit. Usually with a cocky student who reckons VFR Nav is a piece of pee and just a formality. Then I just shut up and let them get on with it and stew! Bring em down to earth again and start from scratch. Then I teach with building blocks. Bit at a time.