As topic says I am casting the alteration spell, Oakflesh, and not getting any increase in my alteration skill. I cast it pre battle or pre entering a cave. Anyone else seeing this or am I doing something wrong? Any guidance greatly appreciated/

Combat spells don't provide skill ups when not in combat. Though if you pre-cast, then enter combat with them in effect, it can provide skillup at that point.

Must be used in combat.

Pre-casting it and then entering combat also provides skill.

This is how all combat buffs/pets work.

Thanks for the replies and info. Old dog learned new (proper) tricks again.

As others said, taking damage whilst having casted alteration shields will increase the skill, but not if it isnt used. Obviously implemented to prevent abusing the skill system like I did in oblivion...