To understand what is going on with the roleplaying of characters who can Channel, you must understand the terms and where it comes from. The major terms are: Saidin, Saidar, One Power, Wheel of Time, The Pattern, Threads, Weaves.

Saidin:The Male Half of the One Power.
Saidar:The Female Half of the One Power.
One Power:Drives the Wheel of Time.
Ter'Angreal: Objects made using the One Power that have a certain purpose. These can be used by Channelers and non-Channelers alike.
Angreal: Allows a Channeler to safely draw more of the One Power than they normally could.
Sa'Angreal: Allows a Channeler to safely draw many more times the amount of the One Power than they could unaided.
Wheel of Time: Weaves Threads into the Pattern.
The Pattern: The shape of an Age. Made up of Threads woven by the Wheel.
Threads: Lives. Each life is woven into the Pattern. Every decision, every action. Also used for different Threads of the One Power: Earth, Air/Wind, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
Weaves: When Threads of the One Power are formed to affect the Channeler's surroundings.      

     About Channelers, the One Power, and the Tower