RE: question about instructor
As far as a "certain method" is concerned you will be asked to fly a particular manuever and be expected (after practice) to perform it. Soon you will be telling the instructor what manuever YOU want to do and he will be OK with this as long as it's safe (for plane and people). Then you will be critiqued on how well you perform the tasks you planned to make.
Plan your flight and then fly your plan.