Some pieces of work can be presented as a tape. It is invaluable for recording results in practical science and design and tech. lessons. Information from books can read onto the tape as notes when planning or doing research. For poor readers, taped versions of textbooks can increase independent working in maths and other subjects. Parent volunteers will often help to produce these.
Headphones are useful for private listening in public areas.
To add to previous answers and endorsing Judith's below , I would suggest any cassette recorder used had a variable sped option that allows rewind and fast forward at sped where the content is discernible without playing at normal speed and allows easy editing and review. A tape counter is also useful to help bookmaking of content. I would endorse Judith's comments on standard cassettes as this enables tapes to be played back on any machine at home or school for both pupil and staff and easy copies. An additional piece of equipment used extensively in our LEA at all KS is the Language master which is an alternative and manageable way to record notes and information with the additional visual element. As a support service we create many such activities for teachers to use with all their pupils and many publishers produce curricular materials in this format.