C172M have flaps that only move as long as you're holding the flap switch
That characteristic was the result of a required change of the flap selector switch, to do away with the feature of the switch remaining in the "retract" position. Two reasons: Too many pilots would go from 40 to 0 in one go, and the aircraft would settle dangerously on a go around. More to the point, the flap switch remaining in the "retract" position after the flaps were fully retracted caused an unsafe condition if the flap motor "up" limit switch failed. The motor could continue to run, and at best blow a breaker/fuse, and worst, burn out the motor.
The pilot directly controlling the flap position is preferred - configuration assurance - as you have learned.
