skyhighfallguy, at 8 hours if I knew why carb heat was applied or flaps extended, I certainly didn't know why it was when they were needed.
I found learning by rote and understanding why later worked for me. There was simply too much to do in the circuit at the time.
Going a stage further I only found out why carb heat was needed very shortly before test when the engine nearly cut out downwind (instructor just got the heat on in time). Up until that point I thought it was theoretical risk ! As with all things the experience taught me what to look for.