Has anyone discovered how to effectively train skills? Ive tried two characters so far: thief and a mage. Sneak training is just like oblivion(autorun hidden in corner) except you need to toggle walk on so youre not heard. Spell on the other hand confuse me. I tried casting stuff like candlelight and the bar doesnt seem to budge. Is it just my imagination or do the spells only level you in combat? Because when I attacked my own summons I started getting points. If someone has more info on this(or the guide!!) then please share.

it's said in one of the tips while in the loading screen that damaging spells get skills up while u hit smth with them and the rest (like healing) when u cast them. I can confirm healing since as a warrior i used it and got skilled up,so the other part should be true.

You can't auto-train your magic skills anymore. You have to actually use them. Destruction must cause damage, Restoration must heal/block damage. Alteration/Conjuration gain exp on casting, but their spells are too expensive to put something over your casting key and walk away.

Conjuration requires combat. At least for raise dead, which is pretty cool. I won't get skillups until my zombie aggros on an enemy.