Have to agree with Card and XerO, The airfield I fly out of will often operate the runway with the sun best suited for T/O and landing during early morning sunstrikes as long as the tailwind is minimal (lots of students usually).
The turn technique on bass - Thats how I was always taught, tho depending where your at in your training (ie pre-solo) you may have been taught pwr back-turn-flaps down to make things easier for you.
Definatly question your instructor if you dont agree - Remember tho that sometimes there is no right or wrong way for things and at least do it his/her way to keep him/her happy - Everyone has there pedantic little gripes.